Kenya Utalii College reopened on Monday 4th January 2021 after a ten-month closure; following a directive by the President to close all learning institutions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The College adopted a phased approach in the reopening, a process that saw continuing students report on 4th January 2021. The new students (September 2020 intake) will report on Monday 18th January, 2021.
In re-opening the College, all government health protocols were implemented to ensure the safety of all staff, students and visitors. These include putting up strategic hand washing points as well as sanitizers, as well as ensuring social distancing is observed. Each person within the premises is required to adhere to Covid-19 protocols, and this includes wearing a mask at all times. In addition, all persons entering the College must have their temperatures checked.
The continuing students, who were excited to be back after a long break, are optimistic about the future and are geared towards making a difference in the Country’s hospitality and tourism sector in the post-Covid-19 era. The students are scheduled to undertake their exams from 11th January, 2021 before progressing to the next semester on 18th January, 2021.
The second lot of 280 new government sponsored students will report on 18th January 2021. They will undertake Diploma and Certificate programs in the various hospitality and tourism programs offered by the College. These include Hotel Management and Travel and Tourism Diploma courses; as well as the Travel Operations, Tour Guiding and Administration, Food Production, Housekeeping and Laundry, Front Office, Food and Beverage Service and Sales Certificate courses.
These students will undertake a one-week orientation program, which entails sensitization and awareness on areas such as Covid-19 protocols, Sexuality and HIV/AIDS, drugs and substance abuse awareness among others.
The College continues to undertake its mandate of capacity building for the hospitality and tourism industry. The industry is slowly recovering after majority of businesses closed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The College commits to train highly qualified professionals in line with the new playfield. Personnel churned out of the institution will play a key role in the recovery and growth of the industry in the Country, regionally and internationally.
Article by: Mbati Kamuyu – Senior Public Relations Officer at Kenya Utalii College