BY MARY ADISA
The revolving fund will play a crucial role in fostering the sector’s growth and competitiveness.
The Tourism Fund (TF) through the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) and other partners has launched an up-skilling programme that provides financial support for Kenyan individuals pursuing education in the tourism sector.
TTRF’s main goal is to offer loans for a wide range of tourism-related studies, aiming to develop a skilled workforce to enhance Kenya’s tourism industry.
Mr Samson K Some, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Tourism Fund noted that the fund’s sustainability relies on loan repayments by beneficiaries, ensuring its ongoing ability to assist the needy students.
“The revolving fund supports various educational programs, including those at local and international institutions and online learning, to meet diverse needs and adapt to evolving educational trends,” said Mr Some.
The opening of the up-skilling programme in various parts of the country has been planned from November 18, 2024 to December 13, 2014.
For instance between November 18 to 19, 2024, TF will be in the counties of Kakamega, Vihiga and parts of Bungoma for the up-skilling events at the Sigalgala National Polytechnic.
Between Monday November 25, 2024 and Friday December 6, 2024 the launch will be held in Kisumu, Siaya and Homabay counties at the Kisumu National Polytechnic.
In Nyeri and Laikipia counties, the event will take place from December 2, 2o24 to December 13, 2o24 at the Nyeri National Polytechnic.
“The Tourism Fund through the TTRF stepped in, offering the opportunity to up skill in the tourism sector, not just for personal growth, but to elevate the guest experience in students,” said Mr Some.
This initiative, Mr Some says, plays a crucial role in fostering the sector’s growth and competitiveness.
The board of trustees chairman notes that TTRF program fosters a culture of lifelong learning within the tourism industry, ensuring a skilled workforce that propels a robust hospitality sector in Kenya.
He says that TTRF is not a one-time initiative, “it’s a revolving fund designed for lasting impact and that by supporting your up-skilling, we empower you to contribute to the fund’s sustainability.”
“As the workforce changes, skills shortages emerge and new technologies develop alongside growing markets, the need for high-quality, industry-approved up-skilling programs has never been greater,” says the board of trustee’s chairperson.
Mr Some notes that these programs are vital in “quickly and effectively” providing training in areas most in need, especially in the tourism industry.
A shift towards a skill-based economy underlines the necessity for an agile and versatile workforce.
The program shifts from traditional learning to a job-centric skills development approach while emphasizing on-the-job learning, direct feedback and challenge identification with coaching.
The TF up skilling programme therefore, is designed to continually improve the skills and knowledge of those within the tourism industry.
TF acting CEO Mr David Mwangi noted that for many years, a skills gap existed within “our tourism sector and that this gap threatened to limit our industry’s potential and hinder the delivery of exceptional guest experiences.”
“The Tourism Fund, recognizing this challenge, spearheaded the creation of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund, which is not just about financial aid, but about investing in human capital, which is the most valuable asset of any industry,” says Mr Mwangi.
The acting CEO added; “TTRF will continue to empower individuals, bridge the skills gap, and elevate our tourism industry to new heights.”
Mr Mwangi says that “this” pioneering program removes financial barriers, allowing students, regardless of their economic backgrounds, to access the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the industry.
“These newfound skills are not just qualifications on a resume, they are the tools that will empower students to excel in their chosen career paths,” says Mr Mwangi.
