Empowering Kenyan Youth Through Hospitality Training

Tewa
Jul 23
3 min read

In recent years, the hospitality sector in Kenya has become a beacon of opportunity, especially for young women. As a top tourist destination in Africa, Kenya has seen rising demand for skilled professionals in hotels, restaurants, and the tourism industry.

To bridge the skills gap and create meaningful employment, hospitality training programs like those offered at Tewa Training Centre play a vital role in empowering youth with both practical skills and career-ready confidence.

Hospitality Training in Kenya: A Gateway to Opportunity

Hospitality training equips young women with the technical and soft skills required to thrive in the service industry.

Institutions like Tewa Training Centre in Kilifi offer structured programs that combine practical and theoretical knowledge, including:

Food production & service
Housekeeping operations
Customer service excellence
Entrepreneurship and business skills

These programs don't just prepare students for jobs—they empower them to launch their own businesses and uplift their communities.

The Power of Inclusive Training

One key strength of hospitality training at Tewa is its inclusive and supportive environment. Young women from different backgrounds come together to learn, collaborate, and build confidence. Graduates often go on to secure employment or start their own ventures in:

Catering services
Event planning
Bed-and-breakfast operations
Hotel and restaurant work

“Tewa gave me more than skills—it gave me hope and a future I can build on.”— Vivian, Hospitality Graduate

Why Hospitality Skills Matter

Kenya’s accommodation and food services sector has shown sustained growth, expanding by 26.2% in 2022 and continuing on an upward trajectory as tourism rebounds and demand for skilled hospitality professionals rises. (KNBS).

As the sector grows, so does the need for trained, adaptable professionals.

Key skills gained through Tewa’s hospitality programs:

Communication: clear, courteous, and confident interaction with guests and teams
Customer service: attention to detail and empathy in every interaction
Teamwork: ability to collaborate across departments
Problem-solving: staying calm and responsive in real-time challenges
Adaptability: working with diverse guests and new technologies

Learning by Doing: The Role of Practical Experience

At Tewa, practical training is core to the student experience. Through partnerships with local hotels and guesthouses, students take part in real-world internships where they:

Apply classroom learning in professional settings
Gain confidence through mentorship
Network with potential employers

Many of these internships lead to job offers, and students graduate with not only skills, but valuable industry experience.

Entrepreneurship: Creating Jobs, Not Just Filling Them

In today’s economy, many young women are choosing entrepreneurship. With the training received at Tewa, graduates have launched small businesses in catering, baking, decor, and events.

Tewa’s curriculum includes entrepreneurship modules covering:

Budgeting and financial planning
Business registration
Marketing and client service
Operations and supply chain management

“Today, I run my own catering business and have even hired two other women from my village.”— Faith, Business Owner & Tewa Alumna

The Future of Hospitality Training in Kenya

As Kenya positions itself as a hub for regional tourism and business, hospitality will continue to be a key sector for growth and job creation.

To meet future needs, programs like Tewa’s must continue to:

Invest in curriculum updates
Use technology to reach more learners (e.g. online learning)
Strengthen partnerships with employers and government bodies

Join the Movement: Support Women’s Empowerment

At Tewa Training Centre, we believe that when you empower a woman, you uplift an entire community. By providing skills, mentorship, and opportunity, we prepare young women to lead with confidence.

👉 Are you passionate about empowering women through education?