The Tourism Fund continues its capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening the hospitality sector in Western Kenya.
The latest series of training programs targeted hospitality managers and workers across several Western region counties, including Siaya, Vihiga, Kakamega, Homa Bay and Kisumu.
The Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Samson Some, said that these ongoing training sessions are designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of workers in the hospitality industry, focusing on improving service delivery, customer satisfaction, and the overall tourism experience.
With the tourism sector being a significant contributor to the regional economy, these programs aim to better equip local workers with the tools necessary for sustainable growth and competitiveness in the industry.
Some, while addressing participants at Joventure in Kondele, Kisumu, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development for those in the hospitality industry.
He highlighted that the success of tourism in the region depends not only on natural resources and attractions but also on the quality of services provided by the workforce.
“We believe that the capacity-building initiative is key to unlocking the full potential of the tourism sector in Western Kenya. By investing in the development of local talent, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient industry that will continue to drive economic growth in the region,” said Some.
The ongoing training programs are part of a broader effort to professionalize the tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya, with particular focus on equipping workers with the skills needed to meet international standards.
The initiative has been well received by local hospitality providers, who have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to improve their skills and enhance the customer experience in their establishments.
Tourism Fund training programme manager Mr. Enoch Chebii, stated that 406 individuals have already been trained, with more training programs planned across all 47 counties. This initiative aims to boost tourism revenue and attract more pilgrims to the sector.
YOU MAY ALSO READ:
Yetu Sacco sets aside a historical Sh.1.4 billion as operational budget for the next financial year
Additionally, Tourism Fund recently introduced a strategic plan to guide its operations, with the hope that the training will contribute to a significant increase in sector revenue, potentially doubling in the near future.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Farida Salim, expressed her gratitude for the training initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism sector. She emphasized that improved service delivery and customer satisfaction would lead to better earnings in the sector.
Some workers in the industry, according to reports, lacked certification, and the training was specifically targeted at building their capacity. Managers were also identified as needing periodic course refreshers to maintain their skills.
Robinson Anyal, a representative of the Lake Victoria Tourism Association, noted that the training had successfully benefited hundreds of people in the region, which would contribute to improved service delivery in the tourism sector.
Members of the Board of Trustees present were Joseph Sar and Dorcas Mbalanya. Also present was Kisumu County Director of Tourism Thomas Ouko.
By Fredrick Odiero
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
