The Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi County is set to officially commence academic programs in September this year, with the first cohort of 1,000 students expected to report for studies.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of the institution, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Tourism, Prof. Julius Bitok, said the government, through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), is finalizing admissions to ensure the pioneer students begin classes on September 1, 2026.
“We are working with Kenya Utalii College, the Tourism Fund and the Kilifi County Government to ensure everything is in place before the commencement of studies on September 1, 2026,” said Bitok.
The Principal Secretary described the institution as a state-of-the-art facility whose modern infrastructure and training equipment place it among the leading hospitality and tourism colleges in Africa.
He said the government is committed to strengthening capacity building in the tourism sector, adding that the college will play a key role in supporting Kenya’s target of attracting five million international tourists annually by 2028.
Bitok said construction of the institution, which began about 12 years ago, is now 95 per cent complete, with the remaining works expected to be finalized before academic activities commence.
“This college is now 95 per cent complete and we expect the remaining five per cent to be completed within the next one month,” he said.
He appealed to stakeholders to support the institution, noting that its strategic location along the Indian Ocean coastline and its modern facilities would significantly enhance hospitality and tourism training.
“It is an amazing place because it is located right in front of the beach and has modern facilities and equipment. We believe this will greatly boost the tourism industry,” he said.
The Principal Secretary also cautioned political leaders against making remarks that could undermine Kenya’s tourism sector.
“We are calling upon our political leaders not to make reckless statements that could discourage tourists from visiting the country because tourism remains a major source of national revenue,” he said.
Bitok said the institution is designed to accommodate up to 4,000 students once fully operational.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro welcomed the opening of the college, saying it would create employment opportunities for local residents while producing skilled professionals for the tourism and hospitality industry.
“We are happy that after 12 years of waiting this college is finally commencing operations. It will provide not only training opportunities but also employment opportunities for the people of Kilifi and the country at large,” said Mung’aro.
The governor said the institution would also offer specialized certification programs for cruise ship personnel and seafarers, thereby strengthening Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
He added that the county government, in collaboration with Kenya Utalii College, plans to establish a revolving tuition fund to support needy students.
“We already have plans to establish a tuition revolving fund through Kenya Utalii College to enable students to complete their studies before repaying the money after graduation,” he said.
Kenya Utalii College Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Ogendi, said the institution will offer diploma and certificate programs in seafarer training, Blue Economy studies, culinary arts, hospitality management, travel and tourism.
“We are ready to make this institution a centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism training. Among the courses to be offered is seafarer training to support the growth of the Blue Economy,” he said.
Ogendi said the college is prepared to admit both local and international students and encouraged prospective learners to apply through the KUCCPS portal or visit the institution for further information.
“We are ready to admit even international students because this is one of the best institutions Kenya has built for hospitality and tourism training,” he said.
The Ronald Ngala Utalii College is expected to become one of Kenya’s premier centers for hospitality, tourism and maritime training, significantly enhancing the country’s capacity to produce a skilled workforce for the growing tourism and Blue Economy sectors.
By Stephen Mrira
