{
  "id": 12088252,
  "title": "Tourism Fund upskills over 9,000 to strengthen Kenya’s tourism sector",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/tourism-fund-upskills-over-9-000-to-strengthen-kenyas-tourism-sector",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-05T05:39:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/tourism-fund-upskills-over-9000-to-strengthen-kenyas-tourism-sector/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya – The Tourism Fund has launched an extensive upskilling initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of over 9,000 workers in Kenya's tourism and hospitality sector, according to a recent report. This program, implemented in partnership with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions nationwide, targets professionals who may not have previously had the chance to receive formal training.\n\nChairperson of the Tourism Fund Board of Trustees, Samson Some, emphasized the importance of a skilled and adaptable workforce in navigating the ever-evolving demands of the tourism industry. These include responding to shifting customer expectations, embracing rapid technological advancements, and maintaining a competitive edge. The program encompasses Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which enables workers to have their existing knowledge, skills, and competencies formally assessed and enhanced through structured training. Additionally, the initiative offers specialized training for tourism and hospitality managers, focusing on leadership, management, decision-making, and organizational performance.\n\nThe upskilling program has reached more than 9,000 beneficiaries, including 6,539 workers, 1,808 managers, and 1,041 young people trained in content creation. During graduation ceremonies held at Kaiboi National Polytechnic in Nandi County and Michuki National Polytechnic in Murang'a County, 489 beneficiaries received certificates. The two institutions have become the latest centers to implement the program, bringing the total number of training centers involved to 34 across the country.\n\nSome highlighted the significance of collaboration between training institutions and industry stakeholders in building professional capacity within the sector. \"Today, we celebrate this achievement with you and, more importantly, send you back into the industry as more competent, confident, and value-adding professionals,\" he said. Furthermore, the Tourism Fund Chairperson stressed the role of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund in supporting continuous professional and academic development, providing training opportunities for Kenyan students pursuing tourism and hospitality courses and professionals seeking further education and career advancement. About 5,800 students have benefited from this fund, with over Sh330 million disbursed in loans. The graduation ceremony at Kaiboi National Polytechnic brought together Nandi County leaders, State Department for TVET representatives, tourism stakeholders, institution management, and industry partners, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening the tourism and hospitality workforce in Kenya.",
  "summary": "The Fund has implemented an upskilling programme targeting tourism and hospitality professionals, particularly workers who may not have had an opportunity to undertake formal professional training.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}