By Kepher Otieno
A group of 114 hospitality students from Migori, Nyamira and Kisii counties graduated from the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF), hospitality-training program in Kisii County, at the weekend.
The TTRF training program aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their employability in the rapidly growing tourism and hospitality sector in the Nyanza region.
The graduands were awarded certificates after completing an intensive two-week training in hospitality management at the Kisii National Polytechnic by institute and the Tourism Fund Board of Trustees.
Tourism Fund Director Mr. Silas Tochim, Chief Principal of Kisii National Polytechnic Mr. Tom Mulati, and TTRF Manager in charge of the training, Mr. Enoch Chebii awarded the certificates.
Mulati lauded the collaboration between the Tourism Fund and Kisii National Polytechnic saying it highlights the concerted effort to build capacity and provide opportunities for young Kenyans by TTRF.
“The graduates are now equipped with vital hospitality management skills, which will enhance their employability and contribute to the growth of the local and national tourism industry,’’ said Mulati.
The training, Tochim said, is part of the TTRF initiative, aimed to address skill gaps in the hospitality industry while providing financially disadvantaged students with access to quality education.
“This rigorous training program marked a significant milestone for the local workforce in the hospitality industry, equipping participants with essential skills needed to thrive in the sector,’’ said Tochim.
This initiative specifically targets vulnerable students who face financial barriers to pursuing further education in the hospitality sector, by offering them critical skills for the industry.
“The primary objective of the Revolving Fund is to provide loans to Kenyan students, helping them pursue higher education and bolster capacity building within the tourism industry,” explained Chebii.
This financial support plays a crucial role in ensuring that even those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can access opportunities in the growing tourism and hospitality sectors, contributing to the industry’s overall development.
“Building a skilled workforce, the TTRF is keen to help strengthen Kenya’s tourism sector and boost local economies,’’ explained Tochim.
The Manager in charge of TTRF training, Mr. Chebii, highlighted that the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) will function as a loan scheme similar to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
“This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing courses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, helping to ease the burden of tuition and other educational expenses,’’ he explained.
By offering loans to students who might otherwise struggle to raise fees, the TTRF will ensure that more young Kenyans can access quality education and training in these vital industries.
This move is expected to significantly boost capacity building, ultimately supporting the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector.
Mr. Chebii emphasized that the TTRF’ s structure allows students to benefit from education now, with a repayment model akin to HELB that will enable them to pay back the loan once they are employed.
This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering students and creating a highly skilled workforce, particularly in areas like Kisii County, Nyamira where tourism is a key driver of economic growth.
With Kisii County being, a hub of economic activity and its proximity to key tourist attractions, such as the Maasai Mara and Lake Victoria, Tabaka Kisii soapstone’s carving, these graduates are expected to contribute significantly to the development of the hospitality industry.
The program also emphasized practical training in customer service, culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning, providing a solid foundation for graduates to enter various roles within the sector.
The trainees led by Edna Kerubo, and Evans Wagunda, praised the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) program, describing it as highly beneficial.
They lauded the initiative for providing them with valuable skills and knowledge in hospitality management, which they believe will significantly enhance their employability in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
“We are happy with the program’s practical approach and quality instruction prepared them for real-world challenges in the industry,’’ said Kerubo. Wagunda thanked TTRF for this.
“For those of us who faced financial constraints, the program was particularly impactful, as it gave them an opportunity to pursue education and certification they might not have otherwise been able to afford,’’ he said.
The trainees expressed hope that more young Kenyans would be able to benefit from similar programs, recognizing the critical role they play in developing a skilled workforce for Kenya’s growing tourism industry.
