Kenya’s hospitality industry is strengthening its competitiveness through continuous skills development as the Government moves to address workforce gaps and align workers with changing global standards.
The Tourism Fund (TF) is implementing a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and upskilling programme to equip tourism and hospitality workers with relevant skills while formally recognising competencies acquired through experience.
Tourism Fund Chief Executive Officer David Mwangi said a
“The Recognition of Prior Learning provides an important pathway for recognizing and validating the knowledge, skills and experience that individuals have acquired over time. It also creates opportunities for them to bridge skills gaps, acquire additional competencies and remain relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving global industry,” said Mr. David Mwangi TF Chief Executive Officer.
The two-week programme is being implemented across the country in partnership with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, which provide training and assessment services.
Michuki National Polytechnic Chief Principal Anne Mbogo said the assessment focuses heavily on practical competence, with 90 per cent of assessment based on practical skills and 10 per cent on theory.
The programme targets tourism and hospitality professionals, hotel managers, directors and owners, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s pool of qualified personnel.
According to Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) Director of Training Management Lawrence Guantai, RPL is recognised under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework and allows workers who acquired skills without formal training to have their competencies assessed and certified.
Last week, 489 beneficiaries graduated from Kaiboi National Polytechnic in Nandi and Michuki National Polytechnic in Murang’a. Kaiboi awarded certificates to 237 beneficiaries, while 252 graduated at Michuki.
The programme has so far supported more than 9,000 beneficiaries, including 6,539 workers, 1,808 managers and 1,041 youth trained in content creation. The number of training centres has risen to 34.
Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairperson Samson Some said changing customer expectations, technology and competition require workers to be innovative, adaptable and technically competent.
The Fund has also provided Sh330 million through a revolving fund administered by the Higher Education Loans Board, benefiting 5,800 students pursuing hospitality courses in TVET institutions.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said strengthening practical skills would support employment, enterprise development and local economic participation as the hospitality sector expands.
