Mount Kenya Holiday Homes, which is slated to be Kenya’s latest golf resort, is embarking on phase two of the project.

The Ksh5 billion ($55 million) private investment project was started mid last year, and the first phase of development is complete, with construction of the second phase now in high gear.

Current works include the construction and development of a unique executive nine-hole golf course, which is 85 per cent complete and on schedule to open for play towards the end of the year.

Designed by a former Vet Lab Sports Club captain Paresh Jai of Total Golf Solutionz, the course will be one of the most interesting for regular and professional golfers.

All the greens have been constructed and are maturing well, though construction of tee boxes is currently under way while the fairways are also taking shape. The super sand blend of bent grass greens are expected to provide some of the finest putting surfaces in the country all year round.

The nine-hole course will have two long holes, two short holes and the remaining will be middle distance or par fours. Hole number two and par four will be the signature holes of the course.

Jai said a regional engineering firm Irrico International Irrigation Systems has also completed the installation of a Danish technology-based greens and fairways pop-up sprinkle irrigation systems to ensure water conservation. He said such an irrigation system is ideal for the semi-arid area.

“This will help conserve water resources while maintaining an all year round lush green golf course.’’

Mt Kenya Holiday Homes is a golf resort and a holiday homes development on a total of 123 acres. Besides the golf course, a modern club-house, other lifestyle activities include bird watching and nature spa. This is in addition to 95 four- bedroomed houses each on a half acre.

The club house and the golf course will be open to residents and visitors. The resort is located in Naro Moru, about 15km from Nanyuki town.

The resort is about a two-hour drive away from Nairobi, and is also accessible by air through the Nanyuki Airstrip.