The hotel and tourism industry has received a major boost after 183 of their workers were equipped with formal skills through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.
The graduates received certificates during a ceremony held at Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) in Murang’a County, marking the culmination of the Tourism Fund-sponsored upskilling programme.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Tourism Fund Board of Trustees member Dorcas Mbalanya said more than 8,500 beneficiaries across the tourism sector had so far been reached through the programme.
She said the beneficiaries included 6,223 workers, 1700 managers and 937 youth content creators in 32 training centres across the country.
Mbalanya said the programme recognizes that learning does not only take place in classrooms, noting that young people and other industry players acquire valuable skills through employment, apprenticeship, self-employment, mentorship and years of practical experience.
“RPL provides a platform for such skills to be assessed and formally recognized after demonstrating what they can do (evidence) gained from their experience in the sector, ” she said.
The Trustee called on employers and other industry players to support their workers in acquiring RPL certification, saying the recognition of skills would improve service delivery and enable the sector to meet customer expectations.
“The tourism and hospitality industry is dynamic and continually evolving changing customer expectations, rapid technological achievements and an increasingly competitive environment that demand a workforce that is not only technically competent but also innovative, adaptable and committed to delivering excellence,” she said.
Mbalanya urged the newly recognised workers to translate the knowledge and skills received into action.
“Let the knowledge and skills received contribute into improved service delivery, enhanced customer experiences, greater innovation, increased productivity and greater professional standards within your workplaces,” she said.
The graduands were drawn from various areas of the hospitality and tourism industry, including food and beverage production and service, events management, baking, mixology, barista services, front office operations, housekeeping and tours and travel.
Among those who graduated were 24 participants who received recognition for their skills in content creation.
Michuki National Polytechnic (MINAP) Chief Principal Ann Mbogo said the RPL programme seeks to identify skills gaps among industry players and provide opportunities for further improvement.
Mbogo said the programme gives people who acquired expertise through practical experience but lacked formal certification an opportunity to have their skills assessed and recognised.
She urged employers to continue supporting their employees to obtain the certificates, saying a skilled workforce would enhance service delivery and help businesses meet customer expectations.
The Chairperson of the MINAP Governing Council, Benson Ngari Kamau, challenged the graduands to be dependable and professional and to protect the reputation of their profession as they return to the industry.
He urged them to use the skills and knowledge gained to contribute positively to the tourism and hospitality sector.
“Embrace continuous learning, as the tourism industry is dynamic and continually evolving, as we have now shifted from academic space to the actual technical skills that are empowering our youth by equipping them with skills for the job market and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Zack Gichane, the secretary of the Murang’a Tourism Board, noted that the county was committed to giving the region a stronger voice as a tourist destination.
“As a county we are committed to doing everything within our reach to make sure that the sector grows by giving our destination a stronger voice to encourage investment, tourism, innovation and responsible development,” he said.
One of the professionals formally recognised, Kiprono Timothy, a supervisor and event organiser at one of the hotels in Murang’a said the certification had given him formal recognition after 20 years of offering his skills without professional certification.
“We will be able to even negotiate for better terms in our places of work, even as we offer enhanced services to our customers, as this upskilling has equipped us better,” he said.
By Florence Kinyua
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