How to Get a NITA-Certified Hospitality Certificate in Kenya

In Kenya’s competitive job market, having "skills" is one thing—but having a nationally recognized certification is what actually gets you hired. If you are looking to enter the tourism or hotel industry, a NITA-certified certificate is your "golden ticket."

But how do you actually get one?

At Tewa Training Centre, we’ve spent years streamlining this process for young women. Here is your step-by-step guide to getting certified and job-ready in 2026.

What is NITA and Why Does It Matter?

The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is the state corporation under the Ministry of Labour mandated to regulate and set the standards for industrial training in Kenya. Unlike purely academic examinations, NITA focuses on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), specifically through Government Trade Tests.

These are rigorous, hands-on assessments where an official examiner evaluates your practical "craftsmanship"—such as your ability to manage a professional kitchen or provide world-class housekeeping—rather than just your ability to pass a written test. This practical focus ensures that a NITA certificate is seen as a "proof of work" rather than just a "proof of study."

For anyone pursuing a hospitality career, NITA certification is the ultimate bridge to employment. Major hotels and luxury resorts in tourism hubs like Mombasa and Watamu prioritize NITA graduates because the curriculum is designed in collaboration with the industry.

Many employers pay into a NITA "Training Levy," which makes them more likely to hire and offer attachments to students from NITA-accredited institutions like Tewa Training Centre.

By earning this nationally recognized qualification, you gain a "portable" credential that is valid across all 47 counties and respected by top-tier hospitality brands as the gold standard for job readiness.

Step 1: Choose a NITA Accredited Institution

You cannot get a NITA certificate from just any school. You must enroll in a TVET institution that is officially registered and accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and NITA.

Tewa Fact: Tewa Training Centre is fully accredited to offer NITA-certified programs in Food Production, Food Service, and Housekeeping.

Step 2: Understand the Course Requirements

To enroll in any of our 9-Month Hospitality certificate programs, you need:

• Identification: A copy of your ID or birth certificate.

• Education: A KCSE certificate (Minimum grade of D- for the Artisan Certificate; higher grades for Craft/Diploma tracks).

• Health: A medical certificate of good health (standard for anyone handling food).

  
  

Step 3: The "Tewa" Training Model

A NITA-certified hospitality certificate isn't just about passing a written test; it’s about competency. At Tewa, our 9-month program is broken down to ensure success:

• 6 Months of Practical Training: You spend your days in our modern kitchens and laundry facilities, mastering culinary arts, table setting, and guest relations.

• 3 Months of Industry Attachment: Tewa facilitates placements in reputable hotels and resorts. This is where you apply your skills in a real-world setting—and often where our students secure their first job offers.

  
  

Step 4: The Examination Process

At the end of your training, you will sit for the official NITA examinations. These assessments are highly practical, testing your ability to perform industry tasks to a professional standard..

Step 5: Graduation and Job Placement

Once you pass your exams, you receive your NITA-certified certificate. At Tewa, we are proud of our 95% employment rate. Our alumni network and industry partnerships mean that our graduates are highly sought after by top employers across the Coast.

Ready to start your journey?

The 2026 intake is now open at Tewa Training Centre. Don't just dream about a career in hospitality—get the certification that proves you are a professional.

• Apply Online: Visit www.tewa.ac.ke

• Call/WhatsApp: +254 719 330008

• Visit Us: Kibaoni, Kilifi County (Along the Mombasa-Malindi Highway)

  
  

Tewa Training Centre: Empowering Women through Excellence.