Africa-Press – Kenya. The Tourism Fund is set to upskill over 500 hospitality workers across five counties within the next month in a bid to improve service delivery and professionalism within hospitality establishments.
The ongoing programme targets the counties of Kiambu, Narok, Nakuru, Bomet and Kericho as part of efforts to strengthen Kenya’s tourism value chain.
As part of this initiative, 128 students over the weekend graduated from Morendat School of Hospitality after successfully completing various hospitality courses under the sponsorship of the Tourism Fund.
The graduates underwent intensive training through the Tourism Fund Upskilling Programme, a national initiative designed to equip Kenyan youth and hospitality sector workers with practical, industry-relevant skills.
The programme focuses on enhancing employability, boosting productivity and strengthening the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s tourism industry.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Board Trustee at the Tourism Fund, Patrick Ngere, emphasised the programme’s role in building a competent and competitive tourism workforce.
“The Tourism Fund Upskilling Programme is not only equipping trainees with technical expertise but also positioning them to become champions of service excellence within Kenya’s hospitality sector,” he noted.
He added that the initiative supports the National government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by empowering young people with sustainable, market-driven skills.
The graduation marks a significant milestone for the 128 trainees as they transition into employment opportunities and further professional development within the hospitality and tourism industry.
The skills acquired are expected to enhance service standards across hotels, restaurants and tourism establishments nationwide.
Beneficiaries of the programme applauded the funding agency for the initiative, terming it a positive step toward enhancing customer experiences in hospitality facilities.
“I appreciate the support from the Tourism Fund for giving people like me a chance to learn. I did not have the money to pursue this course, but through the upskilling programme I was able to train and earn my certificate in Bakery and Pastry,” said Samuel Magethe, a trainee from the Morendat group.
The opportunity, he said, has changed his path.
Industry players have also welcomed the programme, citing tangible benefits for business operations.
“The upskilling programme by the Tourism Fund has been very impactful for us as hotel managers here in Kiambu County. It has equipped us with practical knowledge on staff management and financial planning, helping us run our hotels more professionally and efficiently,” said Geofrey Njuguna, manager at Hotel Saape.
The Tourism Fund said it remains committed to expanding access to quality training and capacity– building programmes aimed at strengthening Kenya’s tourism sector and promoting inclusive economic growth.
