The PS noted that the Tourism Training Revolving Fund signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant tourism sector
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has reaffirmed Kenya’s tourism industry as critical to the growth of the country’s economy.
PS Ololtuaa, speaking during the graduation of 300 students at the city’s Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC), said that tourism remains the cornerstone of Kenya’s wealth generating significant revenue, creating employment opportunities and showcasing “our” unique cultural heritage to the world.
The pioneer graduating students were from the third up-skilling program facilitated by Tourism Fund (TF) through the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) in partnership with BIHC.
The PS spoke as Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairman Mr Samson K Some and Tourism Fund Acting CEO Mr David Mwangi extolled the tourism industry’s contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.
Dr Abbas Gullet, the founding director BIHC was also present.
“A skilled and well-trained workforce is the lifeblood of this industry. The Tourism Training Revolving Fund signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant tourism sector,” PS Ololtuaa, Tourism Fund and the hospitality industry are domiciled, said.
According to the PS, “this innovative initiative provides financial assistance, ensuring wider access to training programs and empowering aspiring individuals like yourselves to enter or up skill within the tourism and hospitality industry.”
The PS noted that the Tourism Training Revolving Fund signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant tourism sector.
This innovative initiative provides financial assistance, ensuring wider access to training programs and empowering aspiring individuals like yourselves to enter or up skill within the tourism and hospitality industry.
PS Ololtuaa noted that TTRF’s inaugural graduation ceremony is a testament to a collaborative effort between the government, the tourism industry, and educational institutions.
“This program is a beacon of hope, paving the way for a future where a skilled and empowered workforce drives the sustainable growth of Kenyan tourism.”
Mr Some, while regretting the limitation in financial resources that serve as a barrier impeding the achievement of growth and realization of goals within the tourism sector, he mentioned TTRF’s contribution towards the needy cases.
“TTRF transcends the realm of financial instruments. It embodies a vision, a vision we share with esteemed institutions like BIHC. BIHC stands as a premier Pan-African hub for hospitality and culinary arts, fostering not only training and research, but also consultancy,” said Mr Some.
“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.”
In 2023, BIHC “imparted invaluable” knowledge and practical skills to over 2,500 individuals through full-time programs, short courses, and professional development programs.
In Mr Some’s words, BIHC’s expertise with students from across Africa and beyond is a cornerstone of “our” nation’s vibrant tourism industry. Owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and managed by the city’s 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. TTRF extends beyond individual empowerment,” says Mr Some noting that TTRF contributes to the “broader tapestry” of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (USDGs).
Mr Mwangi revealed that for many years, a skills gap that threatened to limit our industry’s potential and hinder the delivery of exceptional guest experiences, existed within “our” tourism sector.
The acting CEO noted that the Tourism Fund, recognizing this challenge, spearheaded the creation of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) to help bridge the gap.
“TTRF is not just about financial aid. It’s about investing in human capital, which is the most valuable asset of any industry. This pioneering program removes financial barriers, allowing individuals regardless of background, to access the knowledge and skills needed to thrive,” says Mr Mwangi.
Mr Mwangi spoke as he extended “our sincerest” gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for “their” dedicated support and to BIHC for providing top-tier training.
“Together, we have ignited a spark that will illuminate the path towards a brighter future for Kenyan tourism.”