List of Hospitality Courses in Kenya

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, and Kenya is no exception. Taking tourism and hospitality courses in Kenya will open the door to numerous opportunities in this field.

In 2024, Kenya’s hospitality and tourism industry will continue to grow, making up around 8.8% of the country’s economy and creating over 1.1 million jobs! With tourism booming like this, more and more people are choosing hospitality courses to enter this growing field.

When pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, you must choose the right college. However, several institutions in Kenya stand out for their exceptional marketable hospitality courses and industry recognition.

In this article, we will list the best hospitality courses in Kenya, the colleges that offer them, their requirements and fees, and why they are considered top choices for aspiring professionals.

What is Hospitality?
Is Hospitality Management Marketable in Kenya?
List of Hospitality Courses in Kenya that are Marketable
Best Hospitality Colleges in Kenya
Requirements for Hospitality Courses in Kenya
Fees for Tourism and Hospitality Courses in Kenya
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

What is Hospitality?

Hospitality refers to the relationship between a host and a guest, in which the host warmly and professionally takes care of the guest’s needs.

This field covers a range of industries, including hotels, restaurants, event planning, travel, and tourism.

In Kenya, the hospitality industry is especially tied to tourism, making it an ideal field for those who love serving others and enjoy dynamic, customer-facing roles.

If this interests you, which courses in tourism and hospitality can you take in Kenya? We will reveal them below.

Is Hospitality Management Marketable in Kenya?

Hospitality management is marketable in Kenya! This is because the tourism industry is doing well, and there is a rising demand for quality hospitality services. Skilled professionals are more needed than ever. It is one of the courses you will study that guarantees a job after graduation.

Kenya’s beautiful landscapes, fantastic wildlife, and rich cultural experiences make it a top destination for local and international travellers.

As more people visit the country, the need for well-trained individuals to manage hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality spots keeps growing. Hospitality management covers many areas, such as hotel management, event planning, guest services, food and beverage operations, and tourism.

Government and private businesses also invest in the tourism and hospitality sectors. This means more opportunities for those with the right skills to ensure guests have unforgettable experiences, maintain high service standards, and help businesses thrive.

List of Hospitality Courses in Kenya that are Marketable

There are several online hospitality courses you can take, but below are the marketable hospitality courses in Kenya:

#1. Diploma in Hotel Management

The Diploma in Hotel Management is super popular in Kenya as so many people are taking the course. The course covers everything you need to know, from front office operations to housekeeping, food and beverage management, and event planning.

Additionally, you’ll learn how hotels run daily and get hands-on experience through internships and industry placements. Employers value this course because it gives you a solid foundation in hotel management and sets you up for entry-level jobs in the industry.

#2. Certificate in Food and Beverage Service

If you’re passionate about food and dream of working in restaurants, cafes, or bars, the Certificate in Food and Beverage Service is perfect!

This course will help you sharpen your skills in food prep, customer service, and managing dining spaces. You’ll learn about different types of cuisine, how to plan menus, and even master the art of table service.

The hands-on training you will also get makes this course a favourite in the industry, preparing you for roles like waitstaff, bartender, or restaurant manager.

#3. Bachelor of Tourism Management

The Bachelor of Tourism Management is an excellent tourism and hospitality course for those excited about the tourism industry.

This program explores destination management, sustainable tourism, tour operations, and marketing. You’ll also learn how tourism impacts the economy, environment, and society.

With field trips and real-world projects, you’ll get practical experience, too! Graduates of this course are in high demand because it builds strong management skills, preparing you for leadership positions in hospitality and tourism.

#4. Certificate in Event Management

Event management is a fast-growing career path in Kenya, and the Certificate in Event Management is the ideal way to get started.

This course teaches you how to plan, organize, and execute successful events like weddings, conferences, and corporate functions. It’s perfect for those who love seeing big events come to life and want to kick off their careers in this exciting field.

#5. Certificate in Hospitality Management

If you’re looking for a quicker way to start your career in the Hospitality Management field in Kenya, the Certificate in Hospitality Management is a great option.

This short course covers the basics of hospitality operations, customer service, and event planning. It’s designed to give you a solid start, and many graduates land entry-level jobs in hotels, restaurants, or event management companies right after completing the course.

#6. Diploma in Front Office Operations and Administration

The Diploma in Front Office Operations and Administration is perfect for anyone wanting to master the front desk role in various industries.

You’ll learn all about running the front office, including skills like customer service, communication, office management, and using computer applications.

This program teaches you how to make a great first impression, handle customer inquiries and complaints, manage reservations, and coordinate with other departments to keep things running smoothly.

Additionally, the course gives you theory and hands-on experience through internships or practical training, so you can apply what you learn in real-world situations.

It’s ideal for those looking to work in hotels, resorts, hospitals, airlines, or even corporate companies. It’s also great if you’re already in a front-office role but want to level up your skills and advance your career.

#7. Certificate in Catering and Accommodations

The Certificate in Catering and Accommodations is among the best hospitality courses in Kenya.

You’ll learn the basics of food preparation, catering, housekeeping, and front office operations. With these skills, you can land entry-level jobs in restaurants and hotels or start a catering business. This course is a great stepping stone if you aim for a fun and fulfilling career in hospitality.

#8. Certificate in Baking & Pastry

The Certificate in Baking & Pastry is a specialized program perfect for anyone passionate about baking.

When you take this course, you’ll learn everything about baking techniques and pastry arts as well as cake decorating and dessert presentation.

Who is this course for?

Aspiring Bakers and Pastry Chefs: If you’re passionate about baking and want to turn it into a career, this course is for you.
Career Changers: If you’re thinking of switching careers into the world of baking, this focused training will help you make the jump.
Culinary Enthusiasts: Home bakers or foodies who want to sharpen their skills and learn professional techniques will love this course.
High School Graduates: If you’re a recent grad interested in baking, this is a great way to specialize in the culinary arts.
Hospitality Professionals: Chefs or cooks already working in hospitality who want to learn baking and pastry can take this course to enhance their skills.

Best Hospitality Colleges in Kenya

Here are the best colleges in Kenya to study tourism and hospitality courses.

#1. NIE Hospitality College

Located in Ruiru, Kiambu, NIE Hospitality College is one of Kenya’s top spots for hospitality training. They offer various courses to prepare you for a career in the hospitality industry.

Programs include:

Diploma in Food & Beverage Production (3 years, C- or Craft pass)
Diploma in Housekeeping & Accommodation Studies (6 months, KCSE D)
Cake Making & Decoration (3 months)

Why choose NIE? The college offers industry-focused courses, experienced faculty, top-notch facilities, hands-on training, and strong industry partnerships. Plus, they create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone.

#2. Kenya Utalii College

Kenya Utalii College is the go-to for hospitality and tourism training in Kenya. It offers diplomas, certificates, and short courses. It’s partnered with the University of Nairobi for degree programs like Hotel Management and Travel and Tourism Management.

Popular Programs:

Diploma in Hotel Management – Ksh 92,700
Certificate in Food Production – Ksh 85,700
3-month short courses like Barista and Banqueting Operations for Ksh 40,000.

#3. Boma International Hospitality College

Located within BOMA Hotel, Boma International Hospitality College collaborates with BHMS, Switzerland, offering diploma programs like Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. The Swiss connection lets students study abroad for their final year.

#4. Amboseli Institute

Amboseli Institute focuses on practical skills with programs ranging from Diploma in Hospitality Management (2.5 years) to Pastry & Bakery (1 year). Fees are around Ksh 35,000.

#5. St Kizito Vocational Training Institute

Known for its focus on culinary arts, St Kizito offers courses like Artisan Catering, Cookery, and Pastry and bakery. It ensures a safe, morally upright learning environment as a Catholic institution.

#6. International Hotel & Tourism Institute (IHTI)

IHTI is all about high-quality culinary and hospitality training. They offer programs like Hospitality Management, Front Office Operations, and Food & Beverage Service Supervision. The campus is located in Kileleshwa, Nairobi.

#7. Tsavo Institute of Technology

Tsavo Institute offers diplomas and certificates in Hospitality Management, Food Production, and Pastry and bakery. It is known for producing top-tier hospitality professionals.

#8. Top Chefs Culinary Institute

“Interested in becoming a chef? Top Chefs is one of the top culinary schools in Kenya, offering hospitality courses. This institute specializes in culinary arts and provides diplomas in Pastry and Bakery, as well as Culinary Arts. It is located in Westlands, Nairobi.”

#9. Nairobi Aviation College

This college in Kenya offers a range of hospitality courses, including Diplomas in Food and beverage Production, Hotel Management, and Housekeeping and accommodation. With campuses in Nairobi and Kisumu, it’s a solid choice for hospitality training.

#10. Eldoret Technical Training Institute

Despite its broad range of programs, Eldoret Tech has a strong focus on culinary arts, with courses in Food and beverage Management, catering, and accommodation. Located in Eldoret, it’s a hub for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals.

Requirements for Hospitality Courses in Kenya

The entry requirements for tourism and hospitality courses in Kenya depend on the level of study.

Here are the typical requirements:

Certificate Programs

If you are taking just certificate courses in tourism and hospitality, the following are the minimum requirements you need to meet:

KCSE mean grade of D plain or higher
English proficiency is often required
Some courses may require practical skills or a passion for the field

Diploma Programs

Below are a few requirements to take diploma courses in hospitality management In Kenya:

KCSE mean grade of C- or C depending on the course
Strong background in English and Mathematics
Work experience may be required for advanced diplomas

Degree Programs

Degree programs are taken in the University and, as such, require more serious requirements. Here are the requirements for degree programs in Hospitality courses in Kenya:

KCSE mean grade of C+ or equivalent
English and Mathematics are essential subjects
Good communication skills and a keen interest in hospitality and tourism are important.

Fees for Tourism and Hospitality Courses in Kenya

The fees for hospitality courses in Kenya vary depending on the institution, course level, and location.

Generally, certificate courses are more affordable than diploma and degree programs. Here’s a breakdown:

Certificate Courses: Ksh 30,000 – 80,000
Diploma Courses: Ksh 50,000 – 150,000 per year
Degree Programs: Ksh 100,000 – 200,000 per year

Paying this money wouldn’t be a problem since you will get jobs after graduation.

FAQs

Is hospitality a good course in Kenya?

This course is highly regarded by employers. It provides a solid foundation in hotel management principles and prepares graduates for entry-level positions in the industry.

Can I do hospitality with D-plain in Kenya?

High School mean grade C- (Minus) for Diploma and D (Plain) for Certificate levels. Students with lower KCSE grades can also be admitted after successfully passing the institute‟ ‘s aptitude test. 1 year for Diploma and 3 years for Certificate levels.

How long is the hospitality course in Kenya?

The Hotel Management Course is a three-year diploma course designed to equip students with knowledge and skills in hospitality facilities management.

Which college offers hospitality management in Kenya?

Kenya Utalii College management is committed to sustaining its mandate of training qualified professionals for the hospitality and tourism industry.

Conclusion

Kenya’s hospitality industry is undoubtedly a land of opportunity for passionate and skilled individuals seeking a rewarding career. The above list of tourism and hospitality courses in Kenya provides a stepping stone for aspiring professionals to enter this ever-expanding field.

Courses like culinary arts, event planning, and hotel management offer a unique pathway to success in the Kenyan hospitality industry.

With dedication, commitment, and the right education, students can contribute to making Kenya a top-notch tourist destination on the global map.