Sanjeev Kumar is the General Manager of Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa and Salt Lick Wildlife Resort, two of Kenya’s most distinguished lodges. Salt Lick Resort is globally recognized for its unique stilted architectural design, making it one of the most photographed lodges in the world. Meanwhile, Taita Hills Safari Lodge, modeled after a German fortress, offers breathtaking views of the Tsavo region.
Salt Lick Wildlife Resort is known for its abundant resident wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and antelopes, providing guests with exceptional wildlife experiences in their natural habitat.
Kumar assumed the role of General Manager in 2022, taking responsibility for overseeing resort operations, managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, and driving business growth.
Education
Sanjeev Kumar pursued a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management and Administration at Punjab Technical University from 2005 to 2007, where he graduated with Grade A (Best).
Beyond academics, he actively participated in sports, representing the Cricket Club of Chandigarh as an Under-19 cricket player. His passion for hospitality also led him to win the Mocktail & Flairing Championship, highlighting his creativity and expertise in beverage service.
Career Journey
Sanjeev Kumar has amassed extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having worked in multiple countries, including India, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. His career trajectory showcases a strong background in hotel management and business development.
Early Career in India (2007–2011)
- Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts Safaris, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Management Trainee (Feb 2007 – Jul 2008)
- Played a key role in the pre-opening of KAI-ASIA, a specialty restaurant offering Japanese, Thai, and Chinese cuisines.
- Food & Beverage Team Leader (Jul 2008 – Jun 2011)
- Supervised the food and beverage department, ensuring high standards of service and guest satisfaction.
- Management Trainee (Feb 2007 – Jul 2008)
Hospitality Roles in Africa (2011–2020)
- Nigeria (Jul 2011 – Sep 2011)
- Worked as a Bar Manager for three months, gaining international exposure in beverage service.
- South Africa (Sep 2011 – May 2013)
- Served as Food & Beverage Manager at Mediterranean Beach Hotel, Johannesburg.
- Kenya (2013–2020)
- Assistant General Manager, BVK Hotels & Suites (Aug 2013 – Jan 2015)
- Sun Africa Hotels (Feb 2015 – Nov 2020)
- Hotel Manager (Nairobi) (Feb 2015 – Nov 2020)
- Managed daily operations, financial planning, and hotel services, including food & beverage, housekeeping, and front office.
- General Manager (Mombasa) (Jun 2019 – Nov 2020)
- Led the revitalization of Nyali Hotel, enhancing its 200-room facility and contributing to the revival of coastal tourism in Kenya.
- Hotel Manager (Nairobi) (Feb 2015 – Nov 2020)
Return to India (2021–2022)
- juSTa Hotels & Resorts, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (Feb 2021 – May 2022)
- Served as Hotel Manager, overseeing guest services and operations.
Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa (2022–Present)
- In March 2022, Sanjeev Kumar returned to Kenya to assume his current role as General Manager at Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa and Salt Lick Wildlife Lodge, where he has been overseeing operations for the past three years.
Controversies and Allegations
In February 2025, Sanjeev Kumar became embroiled in a racial discrimination scandal at Salt Lick Wildlife Resort, following accusations of workplace abuse and mistreatment of African staff.
Incident Details
- A leaked CCTV video showed an Indian man confronting an African employee in what appeared to be the resort’s kitchen area.
- In the footage, the man is seen knocking utensils and food off the counter in an aggressive manner.
- The video triggered public outrage, leading to multiple complaints from staff alleging a hostile work environment under Kumar’s leadership.
Key Allegations Against Kumar
- Verbal abuse and public humiliation of African employees, often in front of guests.
- Body shaming staff and replacing front-office workers with lighter-skinned individuals.
- Creating a toxic work environment, leading to low employee morale.
Regulatory Investigation
- The Kenya Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) launched an official probe into the allegations.
- The agency demanded a response from the resort within five days.
- The TRA warned that the resort’s tourism license could be suspended if the issues were not resolved.
Conclusion
Sanjeev Kumar’s career spans multiple countries and leadership roles in the hospitality industry. However, the recent controversy at Salt Lick Wildlife Resort has put his leadership under intense scrutiny, with potential legal and regulatory consequences.
As investigations continue, stakeholders in Kenya’s tourism sector are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that workplace ethics and fairness are upheld.