Barnaba’s hospitality sector hit as Wagon Wheel Hotel goes up for auction
A photo of Hotel Wagon Wheel that is Set for Auction
Hotel Wagon Wheel, A well-known hotel in Barnabas, Nakuru, is set to be auctioned.
Going by the Daily nation newspaper advertisement published on February 23, Philips international Auctioneers have placed the hotel on sale through public auction.
Located within the immediate neighbourhood of The Stem Hotel, the seven-year-old property belonging to Peter Njiriri Chege is easily identifiable to motorists and travelers using the Nakuru–Nairobi Road.
Consequently, its prime positioning along one of the region’s busiest transport corridors has made it a familiar stopover for both local and transit guests over the years.
According to available details, the property measures approximately 0.1885 hectares (0.4658 acres). Moreover, the land is held under freehold interest, which offers long-term security of tenure to any prospective buyer.
The property consists of a fully operational hotel facility comprising twenty-three ensuite guest rooms as well as a shop block. As a result, the establishment caters not only to accommodation needs but also to complementary commercial activities within the premises.
The hotel’s estimated monthly income stands at approximately Sh 3,645,000, underscoring its strong revenue potential within Nakuru’s competitive hospitality sector.
The auction plan has heightened attention around the property within Nakuru County’s business circles.
Beyond the sale itself, the impending auction signals a notable shift within Nakuru’s hospitality industry. On one hand, it reflects the dynamic and sometimes volatile nature of hotel investments, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres.
On the other hand, it presents an opportunity for fresh capital injection, potential rebranding, or expansion under new ownership. Such transitions can lead to refurbishment, improved service standards, and renewed marketing strategies, which ultimately strengthen competition along the Nakuru–Nairobi corridor.
Meanwhile, the Barnabas area continues to witness steady commercial growth due to its proximity to Nakuru City’s central business district and direct access to the highway. In addition, increased traffic flow along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway has significantly boosted demand for hospitality services.
As Nakuru continues to expand as a commercial and transit hub in the Rift Valley region, the planned auction of Hotel Wagon Wheel could mark a turning point not only for the property itself but also for the broader hospitality and real estate landscape in the city.