Picture this; A seasoned hotelier named Aisha, her passion for tourism undimmed but her skills yearning for a refresh.
Years in the industry had exposed her to new trends and technologies.
The Tourism Fund through the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) stepped in, offering her the opportunity to up skill, not just for personal growth, but to elevate the guest experience at her establishment.
Today, Aisha stands among you, a graduate and ready to lead her team into a new era of hospitality excellence.
Regrettably, it is often the limitation in financial resources that serve as a barrier impeding the achievement of growth and realization of goals within the sector.
The TTRF transcends the realm of financial instruments. It embodies a vision, a vision we share with esteemed institutions like Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC).
BIHC stands as a premier Pan-African hub for hospitality and culinary arts, fostering not only training and research, but also consultancy.
Owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and managed by Boma hotel, BIHC exemplifies the power of social enterprise.
Their mission to empower lives through education aligns perfectly with the core values of the TTRF program. The TTRF extends beyond individual empowerment.
It contributes to the broader tapestry of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).
Institutions like BIHC, with their commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education, are vital partners in achieving these goals.
The TTRF program fosters a culture of lifelong learning within the tourism industry, ensuring a skilled workforce that propels a robust hospitality sector in Kenya.
This graduation ceremony underscores the transformative power of collaboration.
The Tourism Fund, BIHC, and the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife have come together to create this program.
To the esteemed faculty of Boma College, your impressive track record speaks volumes.
In 2023 alone, you imparted invaluable knowledge and practical skills to over 2,500 individuals through full-time programs, short courses, and professional development programs.
Your expertise with students from across Africa and beyond is a cornerstone of our nation’s vibrant tourism industry.
The 300 graduates we celebrate today represent a strategic investment in Kenya’s future.
Your newly acquired skills are not merely for personal advancement- they are an investment in the collective success of our tourism industry.
You are the future ambassadors of the Kenyan hospitality industry and the experiences you curate will shape how the world perceives our nation.
Graduates, as you embark on your professional journeys, let your passion for tourism illuminate your path.
Remember, the human touch is the hallmark of exceptional service. Embrace the opportunity to showcase Kenyan warmth, cultural richness, and genuine hospitality.
TTRF is not a one-time initiative, it’s a revolving fund designed for lasting impact. By supporting your up-skilling, we empower you to contribute to the fund’s sustainability.
As you excel in your careers, your loan repayments will pave the way for future generations to access similar opportunities.
Graduates, like Aisha, you are the architects of your own stories, and the pages of Kenya’s tourism industry await your contributions.
Go forth, armed with your newfound knowledge and fueled by your passion. May your journeys be extraordinary, your service exceptional, and your stories forever intertwined with the magic of Kenyan hospitality.
Congratulations! As we celebrate your success today, we eagerly anticipate the vibrant chapters you will author in the future of Kenyan tourism.
Asanteni Sana.
