Chuka: The Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi County is set to officially commence academic programs in September this year, with the first cohort of 1,000 students expected to report for studies.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Tourism, Prof. Julius Bitok, announced during an inspection tour that the government, through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), is finalizing admissions to ensure the pioneer students begin classes on September 1, 2026. Prof. Bitok emphasized collaboration with Kenya Utalii College, the Tourism Fund, and the Kilifi County Government to ensure everything is ready for the September 1 start.
The Principal Secretary highlighted the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include modern infrastructure and training equipment, positioning it among Africa’s leading hospitality and tourism colleges. He underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering capacity building in the tourism sector, noting that the college will play a crucial role in achieving Kenya’s aim of attracting five million international tourists annually by 2028.
Construction of the college, which began approximately 12 years ago, is now 95 percent complete. Prof. Bitok expressed confidence that the remaining construction would be finished before the academic activities commence. He also urged stakeholders to support the institution, stressing its strategic location along the Indian Ocean coastline and its modern amenities as vital to enhancing hospitality and tourism training.
Prof. Bitok also warned political leaders against making remarks that could harm Kenya’s tourism sector, stating that tourism is a significant source of national revenue. Once fully operational, the college is expected to accommodate up to 4,000 students.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro welcomed the college’s opening, highlighting its potential to create employment opportunities for local residents and produce skilled professionals for the tourism and hospitality industry. Governor Mung’aro also noted the institution’s role in offering specialized certification programs for cruise ship personnel and seafarers, contributing to Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda. The county, in collaboration with Kenya Utalii College, plans to establish a revolving tuition fund to assist needy students.
Kenya Utalii College Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Ogendi, announced that the institution will offer diploma and certificate programs in seafarer training, Blue Economy studies, culinary arts, hospitality management, and travel and tourism. He encouraged both local and international students to apply through the KUCCPS portal or visit the institution for more information, positioning the college as a center of excellence in hospitality and tourism training.
The Ronald Ngala Utalii College is anticipated to become one of Kenya’s premier centers for hospitality, tourism, and maritime training, significantly boosting the country’s capacity to cultivate a skilled workforce for the expanding tourism and Blue Economy sectors.
