By Mandere Onyinkwa
The Kisumu County Government, in partnership with Kenya Utalii College, has announced the establishment of a new Utalii College campus at the Kanyakwar Cultural Centre.
The announcement marks a major milestone in the region’s push to expand access to hospitality and tourism education, according to Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o.
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The Governor made the announcement via his official Facebook page following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the College CEO and Principal Mark Rachuonyo Ogendi.
The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Dr. Ochieng’ Owili, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of education John Awiti, and the hospitality institution Chairperson David Wamatsi, among other officials.
“This new campus means that locals can now get the same training offered at the Kenya Utalii College in Nairobi without having to travel,” Prof. Nyong’o stated.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the county’s broader goals of boosting education, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy, particularly through the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The Kisumu campus will offer a range of certificate and diploma programs tailored to meet industry standards, including Hotel Management, Travel and Tourism, Food Production, and Front Office Operations.
The move is expected to benefit youth from Kisumu and surrounding counties by providing affordable, high-quality training in a region rich with cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Kenya Utalii College already operates campuses in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, with the existing Kisumu campus located at Nakumatt Mega City Mall. The new facility at Kanyakwar Cultural Centre will expand the institution’s footprint and deepen its engagement with local communities.
Governor Nyong’o hailed the partnership as a transformative step toward inclusive development, noting that the hospitality industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors in Kenya.
“This is a win for Kisumu’s youth, for our economy, and for the future of tourism in Western Kenya,” he said.
