A total of 206 youth in Nyandarua have successfully been trained in catering and beverage services, with officials targeting to reach 300 young people in the ongoing skills development initiative supported by the Tourism Fund of Kenya.
The organisers hailed the programme as a key driver of human development, urging more young people across Nyandarua and Laikipia counties to participate in such programmes.
Trainers involved in the programme led by Grace Wanjiru said they identified key gaps in the food and beverage sector, including meal production, food service, and the need to strengthen customer feedback practices among service staff.
Addressing these gaps, they noted, will boost professionalism within the local hospitality industry.
The training, supported by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, aims to equip youth with practical hospitality skills that will open doors for employment and entrepreneurship.
Among the beneficiaries is Jimmy Twisty, who expressed hope that the new skills would enable him to secure work in ranches or hotels or even start his own establishment.
Hospitality content creator Jane Njeri thanked CS Miano for enabling the youth to acquire marketable catering and food-service skills. She said the skill will enable her to be more competitive in the job market.
Rose Wambui, from Laikipia Comfort Hotel, said she was eager to apply the skills she gained, noting they would help her either become self-employed or advance within her organisation. She urged youth to “come out en masse and acquire the free skills being offered.
Also in the programme was John Macharia, an automotive engineering student, who took a short catering and accommodation course as an alternative skill set.
Participants praised the Tourism Ministry for earlier sending a team that trained them in sustainable agriculture and distributed fruit seedlings, saying the combination of practical training programmes is widening opportunities for young people.
With continued support from the Tourism Fund of Kenya, organisers hope to scale the initiative to reach even more youths across the counties, equipping them with skills that improve livelihoods and strengthen the region’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.
By Antony Mwangi
