Murang’a:The hotel and tourism industry has been significantly strengthened as 183 workers received formal skills certification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program. The graduates were awarded certificates at a ceremony held at Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) in Murang’a County, marking the successful completion of the Tourism Fund-sponsored upskilling initiative.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tourism Fund Board of Trustees member Dorcas Mbalanya highlighted that over 8,500 beneficiaries throughout the tourism sector have been reached via the program. Among these beneficiaries are 6,223 workers, 1,700 managers, and 937 youth content creators trained across 32 centers nationwide.
Mbalanya emphasized the program’s acknowledgment of skill acquisition outside traditional classroom settings, recognizing the value of skills gained through employment, mentorship, and practical experience. She explained that RPL offers a formal platform to assess and recognize such skills, enhancing service delivery and aligning with evolving industry demands.
The graduates were drawn from diverse areas within the hospitality and tourism sector, including food and beverage services, events management, and housekeeping. The program also recognized the skills of 24 participants in content creation, underscoring the varied expertise within the industry.
Ann Mbogo, Chief Principal of MINAP, stated that the RPL initiative identifies skill gaps and provides opportunities for improvement, offering formal recognition to those with practical experience but lacking certification. She encouraged employers to continue supporting their workforce in obtaining RPL certification to boost service standards.
Benson Ngari Kamau, Chairperson of the MINAP Governing Council, urged the graduates to uphold professionalism and contribute positively to the industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in the dynamic tourism sector.
Zack Gichane, Secretary of the Murang’a Tourism Board, affirmed the county’s commitment to promoting the region as a tourist destination, encouraging investment and innovation. One of the newly certified professionals, Kiprono Timothy, expressed the value of formal recognition after 20 years in the field, noting the potential for improved employment terms and service quality.
