The government has announced plans to revamp the Kenya Utalii College curriculum to enhance Kenya’s tourism and hospitality education.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said the upgrade will align the college’s modules with global standards.
The initiative will be conducted in partnership with Accor Group of Hotels.
“With expertise from Accor and support from the French Embassy, we aim to transform our training programmes to meet international standards and ensure our graduates are competitive and employable," he said.
Mutua spoke when he met a French delegation from the Accor Group. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa and National Assembly’s Committee on Tourism chairperson Kareke Mbiuki.
The partnership will have an exchange programme between Utalii College and French hospitality institutions.
It will also recognise Utalii College's excellence in training personnel for travel and safari ventures.
Experts from Accor and the French Embassy will train instructors locally and in France.
Accor will also assist in reviewing and updating the college's curriculum, with the aim to directly hire graduates for their numerous hotels.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to bolster the tourism sector.
It will provide high-quality education and training, ensuring that its workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of the global hospitality industry.
Kenya Utalii College chairman David Wamatsi expressed optimism about the college’s future and its role in producing world-class hospitality professionals.
The French delegation was led by ambassador Arnaud Suquet, Amar Belgat, Vice President Talent and Culture for India, Middle East, Africa, and Turkey Mehdi Morad, Vice President Operations for Africa, Mauritius and Seychelles Mayana Malik who oversees human resources.
Also in attendance was Denis Sainte-Marie, French Embassy Head of cooperation and cultural affairs department .
Suquet expressed his government's commitment to the initiative.
"We are keen to support Kenya to improve its training standards and also learn from its best practices. This venture is mutually beneficial and will strengthen the ties between our countries," he said.