Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has urged greater investment in youth skills development to strengthen Kenya’s service industry, as she presided over the graduation of 434 trainees from the Zoari Community Institute in Nanyuki.
The event, spearheaded by Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, was marked by pomp and celebration as the graduates, drawn from across the country, prepared to take up roles in Kenya’s hospitality and culinary sector at a time when the tourism industry is regaining momentum.
Miano described the milestone as a powerful testament to the importance of equipping young people with practical, market-driven skills.
“This occasion is a powerful testament to the value of investing in skills development as we seek to enhance efficiency and service delivery in our hospitality sector,” she said. “We embrace these graduates not just as chefs, but as curators of our culinary future and ambassadors of Kenyan culture and heritage.”
She emphasized that Kenya’s diverse cuisine is a key pillar of the country’s tourism offering. By raising culinary standards, she added, the graduates would help position Kenya as a leading gastro-tourism destination for global travelers in search of authentic cultural experiences.
The Cabinet Secretary further reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality industry, highlighting initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for training, innovation, and job creation. She urged the graduates to carry professionalism, creativity, and cultural pride into their new careers.
Also present were Members of Parliament Hon. Wamuratha (Kiambu County), Hon. Fatuma (Migori County), Hon. Donya (Kisii County), and Hon. Wamacukuru (Kabete Constituency). The leaders commended the initiative for empowering young people with skills that will not only secure livelihoods but also contribute to national economic growth.
Kagiri lauded the graduates for their determination and resilience. She encouraged them to use their expertise to innovate within the hospitality space, while pledging continued support for youth-focused programs in Laikipia and beyond.
As the 434 graduates transition into the workforce, they are expected to raise service standards and showcase Kenya’s culture through food and hospitality. Their entry into the industry underscores the country’s broader ambition: to blend tradition and innovation in shaping a tourism sector that is globally competitive and proudly Kenyans.
