Lodwar, 12th July 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

Sixty-five hospitality industry workers from hotels and restaurants in Turkana have graduated from the Eldoret National Polytechnic, receiving certificates under the Recognition of Prior Learning Program (RPLP). The graduation ceremony, held at the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic (LOYOPO), was presided over by Turkana County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Culture, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Audan Leah Lokaala.

The trainees underwent two weeks of intense practical learning and examinations at LOYOPO. In her address, CECM Audan expressed optimism that the skills acquired by the graduates would significantly enhance the hotel sector in Turkana, boosting the county’s profile as a tourism destination with world-class hospitality services. She commended the graduates for their dedication and emphasized the importance of formal qualifications in today’s competitive job market.

CECM Audan also encouraged more youth with hospitality skills to enroll for certification at the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic, which is partnering with Eldoret Polytechnic, an approved institution for training, examining, and awarding RPL qualifications. Chief Principal of Eldoret National Polytechnic, Koech Charles, highlighted that the training and certification were made possible through a partnership with the Tourism Trust Fund, aimed at upskilling workers in the hospitality industry. He mentioned ongoing collaborations with the Lodwar Youth Polytechnic to enhance its capacity to offer such programs.

Principal Koech noted that the graduates received certifications in various specialties, including mixology, front office management, barista services, food technology and production, and housekeeping. Tourism Trust Fund trustee Patrick Muthengi stated that the upskilling program is part of the Trust’s mandate, funded by a 2% levy collected from the hospitality sector. He noted that a skills gap assessment had informed the intervention to improve service levels in the industry.

Graduate Meshack Ekal, who qualified as a mixologist, expressed his enthusiasm, saying he had gained the skills needed to offer better services at his workplace, Sandfields Hotel. This training comes as the county prepares to host the annual tourism and cultural festival in August 2024, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors.