As Kenyans ushered in Christmas, there was a colourful tree lighting party at the Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa. The cocktail was attended by the deputy mayor of Mombasa John Mcharo.

He praised Sarova Whitesands management for its hard work in raising tourism standards in Kenya. "Whitesands has really done this industry proud and I applaud them for their good work," Mcharo said.

In attendance were Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association chairman and Sarova Whitesands GM Mohamed Hersi, author and playwright Kuldip Sondhi and director My Space Properties Mwenda Thuranira with his wife Onestah. Entertainment was provided by children from the Wema Centre and Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.