Graduation Ceremony Celebrates New Era for Turkana’s Hospitality Industry
A momentous event unfolded in Lodwar, Turkana County, as 65 local hospitality professionals proudly graduated from an intensive training program designed to elevate the region’s tourism sector. The ceremony, held at the Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, marked a significant step forward in enhancing the skills of those working in the hospitality industry.
The event was graced by key figures including Charles Koech, Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic; Patrick Mathengi, Tourism Fund Trustee; and Audan Leah, Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Tourism.
In his address, Charles Koech highlighted the importance of the Eldoret National Polytechnic’s role in the training initiative. “Our institution is accredited by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) and recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority. We are also authorized to offer recognition of prior learning. This accreditation enables us to collaborate with organizations like the Tourism Fund and Lodwar Vocational Training Centre to upskill hospitality practitioners and meet industry demands,” Koech explained.
The training program, a collaborative effort between Eldoret National Polytechnic, the Tourism Fund, and Lodwar Vocational Training Centre, focused on essential aspects of the hospitality industry. Areas of training included front office management, housekeeping, mixology, food and beverage service, sales and service, and food production. The initiative aimed to equip participants with advanced skills to improve service quality and contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector in Turkana.
Patrick Mathengi underscored the Tourism Fund’s commitment to the sector. “Through a two percent levy collected from hotels, restaurants, and bars, the Tourism Fund supports various tourism development activities across Kenya. Last year, we identified a crucial need for enhanced skills in the hospitality industry and responded by partnering with institutions like Eldoret National Polytechnic to address these gaps,” Mathengi said.
Turkana’s CEC for Tourism, Audan Leah, expressed enthusiasm for the program’s impact. “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of these 65 new professionals who have completed their training thanks to the collaboration between Eldoret National Polytechnic, the Tourism Fund, and Lodwar Vocational Training Centre. This initiative is a significant milestone in our efforts to develop Turkana’s tourism sector and improve livelihoods,” Leah noted.
The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the graduates’ achievements but also symbolized a new chapter in Turkana’s tourism development. The graduates are now poised to offer enhanced services in the hospitality industry, contributing to both the local economy and the broader vision for sustainable tourism growth in the region.
This successful partnership represents a promising future for Turkana’s hospitality sector, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration and investment in local talent.
Post Author
