Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has encouraged newly certified hospitality workers to use their qualifications to tap into local and international job markets. This move aims to grow the county's tourism sector. Sang emphasized that formal certification of skills acquired through hands-on experience will bridge the gap where competent workers were previously locked out of opportunities due to lack of academic papers.
The certification was awarded during a graduation ceremony at Kaiboi National Polytechnic in Mosop sub-County. The pioneer trainees under the Tourism Fund-sponsored Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Upskilling Programme received certificates. Sang's speech, read on his behalf by County Secretary Dr. Francis Sang, highlighted the competitiveness of Kenya and the world, noting that the acquired skills will distinguish them from others.
Mosop Member of Parliament Abraham Kirwa urged the graduates to look beyond the local market and take advantage of global demand for hospitality skills. He encouraged them to search for jobs worldwide, citing Qatar, the United States, and Germany as potential destinations. Kirwa added that the certification will enhance mobility in a competitive labor market and challenged the trainees to pursue further training to advance their careers.
Kirwa lauded Kaiboi National Polytechnic as a key institution in technical and vocational training in the region. He recalled his push to have it elevated to a national polytechnic to expand opportunities for youth. The MP's efforts aim to improve the institution's capacity to provide quality training and increase job opportunities for local residents.
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge said the RPL programme addresses a major barrier facing workers whose practical abilities have not been formally recognized. Many people in the hospitality sector have mastered their trade through years of experience but were disadvantaged when employers demanded certificates. Muge noted that formal recognition will make it easier for public institutions to engage qualified local service providers.
The pioneer cohort was certified in barista skills, events management, food and beverage production, and front office operations. Muge urged the county to build on the programme by identifying other skills that require recognition through Kaiboi and other TVET institutions. She emphasized that skilled workers are central to how visitors experience the county and called for stronger partnerships among investors, trainers, and government.
Muge challenged local hospitality establishments to improve services and expand capacity to host major conferences and events. She encouraged partnerships to position Nandi as a conference and tourism destination. The initiative demonstrates the value of partnerships between government, training institutions, and industry in closing skills gaps and promoting economic growth in the region.
Key points
- Governor Stephen Sang encourages certified hospitality workers to leverage qualifications for local and international job markets.
- The certification programme aims to bridge the gap where competent workers were previously locked out of opportunities due to lack of academic papers.
- Mosop MP Abraham Kirwa urges graduates to look beyond the local market and take advantage of global demand for hospitality skills.
