SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENT

1. Artisan in Food & Beverage

This is a 9 month course that provides basic skills in food preparation and service, preparing students for entry-level roles in the hospitality industry. Graduates can work in fast-food outlets, restaurants, and catering businesses or start small food enterprises.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Provides basic skills in food preparation and service.
• Equips students with foundational knowledge to enter the hospitality industry.
• Ideal for students seeking entry-level roles in hotels, restaurants, and catering services.
• Opens opportunities for self-employment, such as small food stalls or catering businesses.

Employment Sectors:

• Fast-food outlets.
• Small-scale catering businesses.
• Entry-level positions in restaurants and hotels.
• Event catering companies.

Progression:

• Certificate in Food & Beverage.
• Diploma in Food & Beverage.
• Advanced courses in specialized areas such as pastry or culinary arts.

 

2. Certificate in Food & Beverage

This is a one and half year Programme where Students develop skills in food preparation, service, and customer care, with knowledge of kitchen operations and restaurant management. Ideal for mid-level roles in hotels, restaurants, and catering.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Develops skills in food preparation, service, and customer care.
• Offers knowledge in kitchen operations and restaurant management.
• Prepares students for employment in mid-level roles in the hospitality sector.
• Meets the growing demand for trained professionals in Kenya’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry.

Employment Sectors:

• Hotels and resorts (e.g., Sarova, Serena Hotels).
• Restaurants and cafes.
• Catering companies for events and corporate services.
• Food production companies.

Progression:

• Diploma in Food & Beverage.
• Specialization in culinary arts or beverage service management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or Food & Beverage Management.

3. Diploma in Food & Beverage

This is a two & Half Year program that equips students with advanced knowledge in food preparation, service, and management, enabling them to take on supervisory roles in five-star hotels, airlines, and restaurants.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Provides advanced knowledge in food preparation, service, and management.
• Builds leadership and managerial skills for supervisory roles.
• Prepares students to work in high-end hotels, resorts, and airlines.
• Enables students to start their catering or restaurant businesses.

Employment Sectors:

• Five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants.
• Airlines and cruise ship catering.
• Conference centers and event management companies.
• Food consultancy services.

Progression:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food & Beverage Management, Hospitality, or Culinary Arts.
• Professional certifications in specialized areas like wine service or pastry arts.
• Master’s degree in Hospitality Management.

4. Certificate in Catering & Accommodation

This is a one & half Year Programme where Students learn the fundamentals of catering, housekeeping, and accommodation services, preparing for entry-level roles in hotels, lodges, and guesthouses.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Provides foundational skills in catering, housekeeping, and accommodation services.
• Equips students to work in entry-level roles in the hospitality industry.
• Enables students to specialize in food preparation, housekeeping, or front office operations.
• Prepares students for roles in Kenya’s tourism-driven hotel and lodging sectors.

Employment Sectors:

• Hotels and lodges.
• Conference and event venues.
• Guesthouses and serviced apartments.
• Resorts and vacation rental companies.

Progression:

• Diploma in Catering & Accommodation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
• Certifications in event management or housekeeping.

5. Diploma in Catering & Accommodation

This is a two & half year course that provides advanced skills in catering, housekeeping, and front office operations for supervisory roles in hotels, airlines, and event management companies. Graduates can pursue a Bachelor’s in Hospitality or specialized certifications.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Develops advanced skills in catering and accommodation management.
• Prepares students for supervisory roles in the hospitality and tourism industries.
• Equips students to handle food service, housekeeping, and front office operations.
• Enhances career prospects in Kenya’s growing hospitality sector.

Employment Sectors:

• Five-star hotels and resorts.
• Event and banquet management companies.
• Airlines and luxury transportation services.
• Real estate firms specializing in serviced apartments and guesthouses.

Progression:

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or Tourism.
• Professional certifications in accommodation management or culinary arts.
• Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism.

6. Certificate in Pastry

This course teaches pastry and dessert production, focusing on baking, decoration, and confectionery. Graduates can work in bakeries, cafes, and catering or start their own bakery businesses. Progression includes a Diploma in Pastry or Culinary Arts.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Equips students with skills in pastry and confectionery production.
• Offers practical knowledge in baking, decoration, and dessert preparation.
• Prepares students for roles in bakeries, hotels, and cafes.
• Opens opportunities for self-employment in pastry production and bakery businesses.

Employment Sectors:

• Bakeries and patisseries.
• Coffee shops and cafes.
• Catering companies specializing in desserts.
• Event catering for weddings and corporate events.

Progression:

• Diploma in Pastry or Culinary Arts.
• Advanced certifications in cake design or artisan bread baking.
• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.

7. Food & Beverage Service [NITA Certification]

This is a 6 Month NITA-recognized course that offers hands-on skills in food and beverage service, preparing students for entry-level roles in restaurants, hotels, and event companies.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Provides hands-on skills in food and beverage service, recognized by NITA.
• Prepares students for entry-level roles in restaurants and hotels.
• Meets the high demand for certified food service professionals in Kenya.
• Offers practical experience in table setting, customer service, and beverage preparation.

Employment Sectors:

• Restaurants and cafes.
• Hotels and resorts.
• Event and banquet management companies.
• Fast-food chains.

Progression:

• NITA Grade II and I certifications.
• Diploma in Food & Beverage.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management.

8. Food & Beverage Production [NITA Certification]

This is a 6 Month course that emphasizes practical skills in food preparation, kitchen management, and quality assurance, suitable for roles in food production and catering.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Provides practical knowledge in food preparation and kitchen management.
• Focuses on quality assurance and food safety standards.
• Enhances employability for roles in food production and processing.
• Offers opportunities for self-employment in food production or catering.

Employment Sectors:

• Food production companies (e.g., Brookside, Bidco).
• Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies.
• School and hospital kitchens.
• NGOs focusing on food security and nutrition.

Progression:

• Advanced NITA certifications (Grade II and I).
• Diploma in Food & Beverage Production or Culinary Arts.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Culinary Arts.

 

Certificate in Tour Guiding & Operations

Course Overview:
This is a 12 Month program that provides skills in tour guiding, itinerary planning, and customer service, preparing students for Kenya’s tourism sector.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• High demand in Kenya’s tourism industry.
• Practical skills for guiding and managing tours.
• Opportunities for self-employment or employment in travel agencies.

Employment Sectors:

• Tour companies, national parks, hotels, and travel agencies.

Progression:

• Diploma in Tourism Management.
• Advanced certifications in wildlife conservation or eco-tourism.

Diploma in Tourism Management

Course Overview:
This is an 18 Month course that focuses on managing tourism businesses, sustainable tourism, and travel planning. It prepares students for managerial roles in travel agencies, hotels, and government tourism bodies.

Benefits of Undertaking this Course:

• Prepares for supervisory and managerial roles.
• Enhances understanding of Kenya’s diverse tourism sector.
• Builds skills in eco-tourism and sustainable development.

Employment Sectors:

• Travel agencies, hotels, airlines, tour operators, and government tourism bodies.

Progression:

• Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management or Hospitality.
• Certifications in sustainable tourism, aviation, or hotel management.

Diploma in Food Science & Technology

This diploma focuses on processing, preservation, safety, and quality control of food products. You learn how raw agricultural products are transformed into safe, high-quality foods for consumers and the market.

 

 Course Content (Typical Units)

• Food Chemistry

• Food Microbiology

• Food Processing Technology

• Food Preservation Methods

• Food Quality Control & Assurance

• Food Safety & Hygiene (HACCP, GMP)

• Nutrition & Dietetics (introductory)

• Dairy Technology

• Meat, Fish & Poultry Technology

• Cereals, Fruits & Vegetable Processing

• Packaging Technology

• Food Laws & Standards (KEBS)

• Industrial Attachment (Internship)

Duration

• 3 years 

• Includes industrial attachment (3–6 months)

Entry Requirements (Typical – Kenya)

• KCSE C- (minus) 

 Examining / Awarding Bodies

• KNEC

• CDACC (CBET-based programs)

• NITA

 Career Opportunities

• Food Technologist (Technician level)

• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Officer

• Food Safety Officer

• Production Supervisor (Food Processing)

• Laboratory Technician (Food)

• Packaging & Process Control Assistant

• Self-employment in food processing & value addition

Employment areas:

• Food & beverage manufacturing companies

• Dairy, meat & grain processing plants

• Hotels & large catering institutions

• Research institutions

• Government agencies & NGOs

Progression

• Bachelor of Food Science & Technology

• Degree in Nutrition, Food Safety, or Biotechnology

• Higher Diploma in Food Technology

• Entrepreneurship in food processing

Minimum Entry Requirements For admission:

• Artisan is KCPE Certificate or KCSE D Minus and Below
• Certificate is KCSE D Plain [D]
• Diploma is KCSE C Minus [C-]

Minimum Entry Requirements For admission NITA Courses is National ID OR Travel Passport