The Tourism Fund has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF), aimed at providing financial support to students pursuing hospitality-related courses in universities and colleges across Kenya.

The loans will be disbursed through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), a body well-known for its financial aid to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

At the heart of this fund is a commitment to uplifting Kenya's tourism sector by enhancing the quality of training available to those working in hospitality.

Some of the key courses targeted include hospitality management, culinary arts, food and beverage management, hotel and catering management, and housekeeping and laundry operations.

CS Tourism, Rebecca Miano, during the launch event, hailed the initiative as a game-changer.

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"The Fund is the first of its kind in the history of Kenya," Miano stated.

It will offer the opportunity to anyone who wants to train in the hospitality sector and also the institutions that train the hospitality sector to access affordable funds," she stated," 

The TTRF, established under the 2011 Tourism Act, operates similarly to HELB, ensuring sustainability through loan repayments from beneficiaries.

These repayments will enable the fund to continue assisting future learners, making it a long-term solution for financing hospitality education.

However, the exact capital available for the fund's initial disbursements remains undisclosed by the CS, sparking curiosity about its financial scope.

The revolving nature of the fund ensures that as students repay their loans, more will be able to benefit from the scheme.

The CS further emphasized the strategic role that the fund would play in boosting Kenya's global standing in hospitality.

"This is to place Kenya at the apex of the standards of hospitality, Miano said 

We do know that our hospitality is one of the pivotal points in the tourism sector and with this fund we will ensure that we have the training and to standardise the service that you get in this country."

Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sector is a key driver of the economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. Tourism supplements revenues from major exports such as tea, coffee, and horticulture.

The sector has experienced notable growth, particularly after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, alongside hosting international events like the Africa Climate Summit, which have attracted a surge in global visitors.

The introduction of the TTRF is set to cement Kenya's position as a top-tier destination for hospitality, both in terms of service delivery and educational opportunities for aspiring professionals in the industry.