Kisumu: Hospitality workers in the Nandi County have embarked on a three-week skills upgrading programme at the Kaiboi National Polytechnic aimed at improving service standards and enabling experienced workers to obtain professional certification.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme, fully funded by the Tourism Fund, incorporates chefs, food and beverage attendants, hotel managers, and other hospitality workers. Nandi County is banking on a more skilled hospitality workforce to improve tourist experiences and unlock greater economic opportunities from the tourism sector.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism, Isaiah Keter, emphasized the importance of skilled hospitality workers in the county’s efforts to grow tourism. “We want every tourist to leave Nandi with a memorable experience, not only from our scenery, but from how they are received and handled,” Keter said. He highlighted that the programme would also recognize skills acquired through experience, noting the significance of recognizing prior learning.
Keter also mentioned that investment in human resources was essential to improving service delivery and ensuring that the tourism sector benefitted local residents. Nandi County Hospitality and Tourism Association (NACHOTA) Deputy Chairman, Peter Chalicha, stated that the training would enable workers to refine their skills and improve the quality of services offered to visitors.
Hospitality worker Charity Wayuya expressed that certification would provide formal recognition of their skills, stating, “Most of us have the skills, but no certificate.” Kaiboi National Polytechnic Deputy Principal, Philemon Keter, noted that the programme offered workers an opportunity to have their existing competencies assessed and certified without incurring training costs. “The beneficiaries have not contributed anything; they are here to be assessed and certified,” he said.
The three-week programme is expected to strengthen professionalism in the hospitality industry and improve the quality of services offered to tourists while creating opportunities for workers to advance their careers.
