A three-week skills upgrading programme has been launched at the Kaiboi National Polytechnic to enhance the professionalism of hospitality workers in Nandi County. The programme, fully funded by the Tourism Fund, aims to improve service standards and enable experienced workers to obtain professional certification. It brings together chefs, food and beverage attendants, hotel managers, and other hospitality workers. This initiative is expected to strengthen professionalism in the hospitality industry and improve the quality of services offered to tourists.
Nandi County is banking on a more skilled hospitality workforce to improve tourist experiences and unlock greater economic opportunities from the tourism sector. The county's investment in human resources is seen as essential to improving service delivery and ensuring the tourism sector benefits local residents. With a focus on recognising prior learning, the programme acknowledges the skills acquired through experience, providing formal recognition for workers who have been in the industry for some time.
Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Tourism, Isaiah Keter, emphasised the importance of skilled hospitality workers in growing tourism in the county. He noted that the programme would enable workers to sharpen their skills and improve the quality of services offered to visitors. Keter said that every tourist should leave Nandi with a memorable experience, not only from the scenery but also from how they are received and handled.
The Nandi County Hospitality and Tourism Association (NACHOTA) Deputy Chairman, Peter Chalicha, highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing the knowledge of hotel staff. Chalicha noted that the programme would enable workers to improve the quality of services offered to visitors. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to enhance the skills of hospitality workers, which would ultimately benefit the tourism sector.
Hospitality worker Charity Wayuya welcomed the certification opportunity, noting that many experienced workers have the skills but lack formal recognition. Wayuya said that the certification would give workers formal recognition of their skills, which would be beneficial for their careers. This sentiment was echoed by Kaiboi National Polytechnic Deputy Principal, Philemon Keter, who noted that the programme was giving workers an opportunity to have their existing competencies assessed and certified without incurring training costs.
The programme's beneficiaries have not contributed anything, and they are in the process of being assessed and certified. Kaiboi National Polytechnic is providing the necessary resources and expertise to ensure the success of the programme. With a focus on practical skills and knowledge, the programme is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism sector in Nandi County.
The three-week programme is expected to create opportunities for workers to advance their careers and improve the quality of services offered to tourists. By investing in the skills and knowledge of hospitality workers, Nandi County aims to enhance the overall tourist experience and unlock greater economic opportunities from the tourism sector. The programme is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and its impact is expected to be felt in the county's tourism industry.
Key points
- Nandi County hospitality workers undergo a three-week skills upgrading programme to improve service standards and gain professional certification.
- The programme aims to strengthen professionalism in the hospitality industry and improve the quality of services offered to tourists.
- The initiative is fully funded by the Tourism Fund and recognises prior learning, providing formal recognition for workers who have been in the industry for some time.
