Kitui County Marks Milestone in Hospitality Training and Hotel Accreditation -

Over 200 hospitality industry employees in Kitui County have successfully completed a two-week intensive upskilling program aimed at improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and sustainable tourism practices. The training, conducted at Nuu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) and the Multipurpose Centre, was made possible through a strategic partnership between the County Government of Kitui and the Tourism Fund.

The graduation ceremony, held at Tseikuru National Polytechnic, was graced by Kitui County Deputy Governor H.E. Wambua Kanani, who also serves as the CECM for Tourism, Hospitality, and Game Reserves. Speaking during the event, Kanani emphasized the importance of professionalism and discipline in the hospitality sector as a foundation for its growth. “This occasion is not just a graduation ceremony; it is a celebration of transformation, commitment, and the collective vision we share for a stronger, more vibrant tourism industry in Kitui County,” he said.

The program aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s development agenda, which prioritizes job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and the promotion of community-based tourism that uplifts local families. The ceremony was also attended by members of the Tourism Fund Board of Trustees, including Sylas Tochim, Patrick Muthengi Ng’ere, and Lorna Nyamwea, as well as Joseph Njau, the Secretary, State Department of TVETs, among other dignitaries.

In a related milestone, the County Government of Kitui, in collaboration with the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), has embarked on the accreditation and star-rating process for hotels within the county. The exercise, launched in Nairobi, aims to standardize service quality and position Kitui as a competitive tourism destination in the region.

So far, Ngolu Hotel has been awarded the Gold standard, while Sunmarino Hotel and Parkside Villa received Silver classification. Premier Hotel, Kitui Villa, Lacienda, and OVI Hotel earned Bronze ratings. Notably, Ngolu Hotel was ranked as the second-best establishment in the larger South Eastern region, coming just after

Gelian Hotel in Machakos County — a strong indicator of Kitui’s growing reputation in Kenya’s hospitality landscape.