250 workers in hospitality industry to benefit from upskilling

 Tourism Fund Chairman Samson Some. [File, Standard]

The Tourism Fund Chairman Samson Some has said they are keen on upskilling workers in the hospitality sector.

Speaking at Meru National Polytechnic during the graduation ceremony of 250 hoteliers and hospitality students from Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Isiolo counties, Mr Some said the upskilling is meant to prepare the workers for the local and International job market.

The initiative will focus on upskilling in service excellence, customer relations, and sustainable practices.

Some said this will improve the workers capacity in the growing hospitality industry.

"We intend to have a very critical base of labour export in their sectors. We know that the (national) government has engaged other players and other governments to look for people to work outside the country," he said.

He announced plans to launch a scholarship fund to support students  who have enrolled for  diploma and degree courses.

The hoteliers and students engaged in hands-on workshops and discussions led by industry experts, which is part of the Fund's ongoing efforts to boost the tourism sector and equip them with the necessary skills.

Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) is mandated to run the training sponsored by the Tourism Fund.

The training aims to improve service standards in hotels, said TTRF Manager Enock Chebii.

“This effort underscores the Fund's commitment to enhance the tourism sector and equipping future professionals with essential hospitality skills for success,’’ he said.

Chebii emphasized that enhancing capacity building through TTRF will play a critical role in strengthening the tourism sector.

Meru National Polytechnic Chief Principal Mutembei Kigige said the hoteliers and practitioners were upskilling in various disciplines.

"We hope to collaborate with them (Fund) to do more (upskilling) because the need is huge," he said.

Kigige revealed that the institution was accredited to implement the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

"We are also offering foreign languages so that we can make these trainees more employable, not just locally but out of the country as well. We are not just recruiting for local (job) market but also for the international."

Meru County Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Executive Harriet Makena said the tourism sector had potential to spur the local and national economies, as she hailed the upskilling programme.

"We are advocating for youth employment. This (upskilling) will help the youth to be self employed and gain entry in tourism industry," she said.

The trainees lauded the initiative for providing them with valuable skills  and knowledge relevant to the industry.

"This kind of training not only boosts their confidence but also increases their employability in a competitive job market,” said Board of Trustees Silas Tochim.

Tochim explained that by focusing on practical knowledge and industry-relevant skills, the programme will foster a more skilled workforce, ultimately benefiting the trainees and the tourism sector.

TTRF overall goal is to address skill gaps in the hospitality industry while providing financially disadvantaged students access to quality education.

“This training programme 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.