The Tourism Fund is stepping up efforts to strengthen skills in Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry, with more than 8,000 workers having so far benefited from targeted upskilling programmes  supported by the Fund.

The latest beneficiaries are 294 trainees from Eldoret National Polytechnic, who graduated on Thursday after completing a two-week programme aimed at improving competencies, productivity and competitiveness in the sector.

Of the graduates, 262 underwent training under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, while 32 were trained in content creation. The programme also benefited 52 hotel managers and owners, broadening the training beyond frontline workers to those responsible for managing tourism and hospitality establishments.

The programme is part of the Tourism Fund’s continued partnership with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country to deliver targeted skills development programmes for workers in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Member Patrick Ngere, who delivered remarks on behalf of Board Chairperson Samson K. Some, said the graduation was a reflection of the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the sector.

“Today is not merely a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of commitment, resilience, continuous learning and the determination to improve professional skills,” he said.

Ngere said the partnership between the Fund and training institutions was aimed at ensuring tourism professionals acquire skills that can respond to the changing demands of the industry.

He challenged the graduates to apply what they had learnt in their workplaces, saying the ultimate measure of the training should be its impact on the quality of services offered to tourists and customers.

“Let the training translate into improved service delivery, enhanced customer experiences, greater innovation and increased productivity,” Ngere said while delivering the Chairperson’s speech.

Ngere also encouraged workers in the tourism and hospitality sector to make use of opportunities for continuous professional development and share information about available training opportunities with colleagues and fellow practitioners.

The Eldoret programme adds to a wider skills-development initiative by the Tourism Fund, which  is also supporting students and professionals through the Tourism Training Revolving Fund. So far 5,800 students pursuing tourism and hospitality courses have benefited. The programme also supports professionals already working in the industry who want to further their education, improve their skills and advance their careers.

Ngere said the Tourism Fund remained committed to partnerships aimed at creating an environment that supports the growth of Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The Eldoret graduation comes against the backdrop of growing emphasis on continuous professional development, recognition of workplace skills and practical training as the industry seeks to improve service standards and remain competitive.