294 Trainees Graduate in Eldoret After Tourism Fund Upskilling Drive
Of the graduates, 262 completed training under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, while 32 specialised in content creation.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
A total of 294 trainees have graduated from the Eldoret National Polytechnic following a two-week upskilling programme sponsored by the Tourism Fund, in a move aimed at boosting skills across Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Of the graduates, 262 completed training under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, while 32 specialised in content creation. An additional 52 hotel managers and owners also benefited from the initiative, which sought to strengthen professional capacity at different levels of the sector.
The short intensive programme was designed to equip young people and existing tourism workers with practical, industry-relevant skills. Organisers said the training is intended to raise employability, productivity and competitiveness while supporting a more stable tourism industry.
Speaking on behalf of Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairperson Samson Some at the graduation ceremony, Board member Patrick Ngere announced that more than 8,000 workers in the tourism and hospitality sector have so far benefited from targeted upskilling programmes backed by the Fund.
Ngere said the Tourism Fund would continue collaborating with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide to deliver programmes that improve the competencies of industry professionals. He also urged students enrolled in tourism and hospitality courses to take full advantage of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund.
According to Ngere, more than 5,800 students have already accessed support through the Revolving Fund, which helps Kenyans pursue careers in the sector. “The Fund also supports professionals already employed in the industry who wish to further their education, enhance their skills and advance their careers,” he said.
The upskilling initiative forms part of wider efforts to build a skilled tourism workforce through hands-on training. It also aligns with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasises skills development and job creation.
Officials described the graduation as an important milestone for the trainees as they move into employment or further professional growth. By combining Recognition of Prior Learning for experienced workers, specialised content creation skills and management training, the programme addresses both traditional skill gaps and emerging digital demands in the industry.
Continued partnership between the Tourism Fund and TVET institutions is expected to expand access to quality training and help position Kenya’s tourism sector for stronger performance in the regional and international market.
About Author
