By Robert Mutasi 
Two hundred and ninety-four trainees have successfully completed a two-week upskilling programme at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, thanks to sponsorship from the Tourism Fund.
The graduating class included 262 participants who trained under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework and 32 who specialised in content creation. In addition, 52 hotel managers and owners took part in the programme, which was designed to build stronger skills and capacity throughout Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The intensive course focused on delivering practical, industry-relevant competencies to young people and existing tourism workers. Its goals include raising employability, improving productivity and enhancing competitiveness in support of a more resilient tourism sector.
At the graduation ceremony, Tourism Fund Board member Patrick Ngere, speaking on behalf of Board of Trustees Chairperson Samson Some, reported that more than 8,000 workers in the tourism and hospitality sector have already benefited from targeted upskilling initiatives funded by the organisation.
Ngere confirmed that the Tourism Fund will maintain its partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. These collaborations aim to continuously upgrade the skills and competitiveness of professionals working in tourism. He also encouraged students pursuing hospitality and tourism courses to utilise the Tourism Training Revolving Fund.
More than 5,800 students have so far accessed support through the Revolving Fund, which opens pathways into careers in the sector. “The Fund also supports professionals already employed in the industry who wish to further their education, enhance their skills and advance their careers,” Ngere stated.
The programme forms part of wider efforts to professionalise Kenya’s tourism workforce through hands-on training. It supports the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by prioritising skills development and job creation.
Officials described the graduation as a key milestone for the trainees as they move into employment or further career progression. The combination of Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced workers, specialised digital content skills and management training addresses both established and emerging needs within the industry.
Ongoing cooperation between the Tourism Fund and TVET institutions is expected to broaden access to quality training and strengthen Kenya’s position in the regional and global tourism market.