Kenya Utalii College is set to expand its programme offerings to the Railways Training Institute (RTI) in Kisumu through a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing training in tourism and hospitality.
Beginning in January, the premier hospitality training institution will introduce programmes at the RTI Marine Campus, targeting to equip learners with skills crucial for employment in the cruise ship industry as Kenya seeks to revive and strengthen its position in tourism.
The collaboration follows the certification of the institution by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to provide Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The certification is expected to enhance the employability of graduates in tourism and hospitality, enabling them to secure positions on cruise ships and leisure boats both locally and internationally.
Speaking during the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasized the government’s commitment to support students through bilateral labor relations with various countries.
Murkomen highlighted the potential of the tourism sector, expressing the government’s exploration of utilizing ocean and inland water bodies for sector growth.
Lake Victoria, he noted, is a priority, with plans to rejuvenate transport and tourism activities to create employment opportunities for the youth.
Murkomen underscored the untapped potential within Lake Victoria, describing it as a sleeping giant capable of opening up Western Kenya’s tourism circuits.
He highlighted the importance of fully utilizing the Kisumu Port to provide employment opportunities and attract investments to the region.
Murkomen, accompanied by Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing security, essential for attracting investments to Kisumu and developing all parts of the country.
He further encouraged young people to pursue courses in marine-related fields, pointing out abundant opportunities abroad.
The Chairman of Utalii College Board David Wamatsi announced the institution’s return to the lake region after a hiatus since 2018.
He affirmed that students from Lake Region counties would significantly benefit from this world-class training.
The Managing Director of Kenya Railways Phillip Mainga commended the partnership, emphasizing its role in fortifying hospitality programs at RTI.
Kenya Railways has allocated funds to modernize workshops at the institution to ensure learners receive practical training.
The event also witnessed the graduation of 12 students from the marine training college in Kisumu, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Kenya Utalii College and Kenya Railways.
By Fredrick Odiero
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