By Radhiya Seraj | June 8th 2021
17 Zambian students who graduated from Kenya Utalii College in December 2020 have received world-class training
H.E Ambassador Joyce K. Kasosa, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya has received certificates for 17 Zambian students who graduated from Kenya Utalii College in December 2020. This is a major boost for the Zambian hospitality and tourism market. The students are among the 50 who benefited from the Kenya-Zambia partnership scholarships at Kenya Utalii College.
Kenya Utalii College Principal & CEO Mr. Hashim Mohamed handed over the certificates to H.E Kasosa earlier on Tuesday 8th June 2021 after discussions on more capacity building partnership opportunities between the two countries.
The students, who were awarded with certificates after the successful completion of studies, are among the three hundred and seventy students who, despite disruption by the Covid-19 pandemic, graduated with diplomas and certificates.
The scholarships are as a result of an agreement arrived at between President Kenyatta and his Zambian counterpart Edgar Lungu in 2018. The collaboration was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and increasing cooperation in sectors such as tourism, transport, trade, investment, air link and regional security. Kenya and Zambia have an existing agreement on science, technology and innovation.
Fruitful and inspiring
The beneficiaries of the scholarship were fresh secondary schools graduates between the ages of 18 to 22 years. They have gone through tourism and hospitality training at Kenya Utalii College in different courses namely Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism Management, Travel Operations, Tour Guide & Administration, Front office, Housekeeping & Laundry, Food Production and Food and Beverage Service and Sales.
“This is very fruitful and inspiring. We are looking forward to more Zambian students coming to study at Kenya Utalii College in future,” said H.E. Kasosa. Mr. Mohamed on his part noted that the training opportunity accorded to these students will be a game changer to the Zambian tourism and hospitality sector.
The students are upbeat about the skills learnt, and are looking forward to making a huge impact in the Zambian hospitality industry.
H.E Kasosa and Mr. Mohamed discussed ways in which the two countries can further foster partnerships, engage Kenya Utalii College in enhancing training programmes and curriculum development.
Graduation amid Covid-19
Kenya Utalii College celebrated its 45th graduation ceremony at a time when the entire world was depressed as a result of the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The graduation ceremony was a major milestone for the College, and a clear demonstration that despite the prevailing challenges, the College continues to passionately implement its mandate of undertaking training and capacity building for the hospitality and tourism sector.
Kenya Utalii College is distinguished for providing world-class training for both the local and international hospitality and tourism industry. The College is committed to ensuring training and capacity building, research and consultancy for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry are carried out excellently.
Radhiya Seraj is an accomplished PR & events management professional with expertise in developing and executing all aspects of public outreach campaigns to increase exposure and support strategic marketing initiatives both online & offline. (mradhiya@utalii.ac.ke)