Kenya’s push to attract five million international tourists by 2027 has received a major boost following a partnership between the State Department for Tourism and national polytechnics to upskill workers in the hospitality industry through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The programme, implemented through the Tourism Fund, aims to professionalize the sector by equipping experienced but uncertified workers with formal qualifications, thereby enhancing service delivery and global competitiveness.
270 Hospitality Workers Graduate in Kericho
A total of 270 hotel industry workers from Kericho and Bomet counties graduated under the RPL programme at Kericho National Polytechnic, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing nationwide rollout.
Speaking during the ceremony, Tourism Fund trustee Patrick Muthengi noted that many hospitality workers possess hands-on skills acquired over years of service but lack formal recognition.
“Most hotel workers have vast experience but no certification. This programme is meant to upskill them and award certificates that match their competencies,” he said.
Closing the Skills Gap in the Hospitality Sector
The RPL training is being offered in key operational areas, including:
- Food production
- Housekeeping
- Front office services
These areas are critical in improving service standards as the country positions itself as a top global tourism destination.
Kericho National Polytechnic Chief Principal Sammy Cheruiyot emphasized that the future of Kenya’s tourism industry depends on deliberate investment in human capital.
He noted that Recognition of Prior Learning provides a pathway for workers who missed formal training opportunities to gain certification, career progression, and better employment terms.
Boost for TVET and Workforce Development
The collaboration highlights the central role of TVET institutions in driving workforce development and supporting key economic sectors.
By aligning skills training with industry needs, the initiative:
- Enhances productivity and service quality in hospitality
- Improves employability and job mobility for workers
- Supports the government’s tourism growth strategy
The programme also reinforces the value of RPL as a tool for inclusivity, allowing experienced workers to gain national recognition without starting training from scratch.
Supporting Kenya’s Tourism Growth Agenda
As Kenya works towards the five-million-tourist target, the availability of a skilled and certified hospitality workforce remains a critical success factor.
The ongoing partnership between the Tourism Fund and national polytechnics is therefore expected to play a transformative role in:
- Standardizing hospitality training
- Elevating service delivery
- Strengthening the link between TVET and industry