From Club Tips to Tourism Empire: How Diana Kalekye Built Schon Kenya Tours From Scratch

The inspiring journey of a young woman who turned humble savings and determination into a thriving tourism business

Diana Kalekye, the visionary behind Schon Kenya Tours and Safari, turned humble beginnings and perseverance into a thriving tourism business. “Schon” is a German word meaning beautiful, a fitting name for a company dedicated to showcasing the splendor of Kenya. Diana’s journey began in an unlikely place—a nightclub—where she worked as a supervisor at Club Tribeka and used her tips to fund her entrepreneurial dream. In a previous interview with Lynn Ngugi, she urged Kenyans not to underestimate women working in clubs, highlighting that they, too, harbor big ambitions.

Background and Education

Diana is the second of three daughters. She lost her father while in Class Four, a tragedy that transformed her family life. Growing up in Katine, Kangundo Sub County in Machakos County, she and her sisters had to adapt to a more disciplined lifestyle. Diana attended Tala Township Primary School and later Matungulu Girls for high school. Passionate about travel, she pursued a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute in Naivasha. Currently, she is advancing her studies in the same field at Moi University Nairobi Campus.

In a past interview with the Daily Nation, Diana said,

“I also love travelling and cooking, but I majored more in the travelling sector as I wanted to let all Kenyans experience Kenya’s beauty.”

Employment Journey and Frustrations

After graduating, Diana quickly secured a job as a reservations agent and salesperson at a tour company. However, when the company changed ownership, she was let go, leaving her without a purpose or side hustle. For two months, she admitted to struggling with uncertainty, spending her little savings on partying.

Her frequent visits to Club Tribeka would eventually turn into an unexpected opportunity. The club’s manager encouraged her to apply for a supervisory position, earning a monthly salary of Sh10,000. While the salary was modest, Diana’s tips often ranged between Sh1,000 and Sh3,000 a day, which she wisely saved to invest in her dream.

“In my first month, I spent most of the money pampering myself, but the savings from tips over the next two months were enough to start my own company and website,” she shared.

Launching Schon Kenya Tours

With her savings, Diana designed the company website for Schon Tours and Travels and hired a lawyer to handle all legal processes. By late 2016, her business was officially ready. Her first client was a German national, and her enterprise began to steadily grow. Unfortunately, the sudden death of her mother briefly paused her operations, as Diana took time to mourn and support her family.

Despite the challenges, Diana Kalekye’s journey from nightclub supervisor to tourism entrepreneur stands as a testament to vision, resilience, and determination. Her story encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities—even in unlikely places—and to invest wisely in their dreams.