The Fund said investment in human capital was critical as the sector continues to face changing customer expectations, technological advancement and growing competition.
Speaking during a graduation ceremony at Kaiboi National Polytechnic in Nandi County, Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairperson Samson Some said a skilled and adaptable workforce was essential to meeting the evolving demands of the industry.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is dynamic and continually evolving. Changing customer expectations, rapid technological advancements and an increasingly competitive environment demand a workforce that is not only technically competent, but also innovative, adaptable and committed to delivering excellence,” Some said.
The Tourism Fund has been implementing a two-week upskilling programme in collaboration with TVET institutions across the country.
The programme targets workers and professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry, particularly those who may not have had an opportunity to undertake formal professional training.
It includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which enables workers to have their existing knowledge, skills and competencies formally assessed, recognised and enhanced through structured training.
The programme also offers a two-day course for directors and managers of tourism and hospitality establishments, focusing on leadership, management, supervision, decision-making and organisational performance.
Youth also benefit from content creation training aimed at equipping them with digital skills to create and promote tourism-related content.
According to the Tourism Fund, more than 9,000 beneficiaries have so far been supported through the programme. They include 6,539 workers, 1,808 managers and 1,041 youth trained in content creation.
A further 489 beneficiaries received certificates during graduation ceremonies held at Kaiboi National Polytechnic and Michuki National Polytechnic in Murang’a County.
Kaiboi awarded certificates to 237 beneficiaries, while 252 graduates received certificates at Michuki.
The two institutions are the latest training centres to offer the programme, bringing the number of training centres involved across the country to 34.
Some said the programme demonstrates the importance of collaboration between training institutions and industry stakeholders in building professional capacity.
“Today, we celebrate this achievement with you and, more importantly, send you back into the industry as more competent, confident and value-adding professionals,” he said.
The Tourism Fund chairperson also highlighted the Tourism Training Revolving Fund, which supports continued professional and academic development in the tourism and hospitality sector.
The revolving fund provides training opportunities for Kenyan students pursuing tourism and hospitality courses, as well as professionals seeking further education and career advancement.
Some said 5,800 students had so far benefited from the programme, with more than Sh330 million disbursed in loans.
He urged tourism and hospitality workers to take advantage of available training and professional development opportunities, saying continuous learning would help strengthen the sector’s workforce.
The graduation ceremony brought together Nandi County leaders, representatives of the State Department for TVET, tourism stakeholders, the management and governing council of Kaiboi National Polytechnic, employers and other industry partners.
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