Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Kilifi County has officially opened its doors to its pioneer class of students, marking a major milestone nearly two decades after the institution was first conceived.

The tourism and hospitality training institution admitted 114 students on its first day of operations, comprising 63 boarders and 51 day scholars.

The college, established by the Tourism Fund, is expected to train more than 1,000 students annually in tourism and hospitality-related courses, positioning Kenya’s Coast region as a major centre for hospitality excellence and culinary innovation.

The opening marked the beginning of what the government hopes will be a new chapter in developing a skilled workforce to support Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry.

The milestone was presided over by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and attended by Tourism Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok, Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairperson Samson Some and Acting Chief Executive Officer David Mwangi.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, MPs Owen Baya (Kilifi North) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South), other local leaders and stakeholders in the tourism sector also attended the event.

Addressing the pioneer students, Miano challenged them to set a high standard and become ambassadors of Kenya’s hospitality industry.

“To our pioneer cohort - you carry two decades of vision on your shoulders. Set the standard high and show the world the true power of Kenyan hospitality,” Miano told the students.

The Cabinet Secretary also announced a partnership between the government and MSC, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, aimed at creating direct employment opportunities for students graduating from the college.

Miano said the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MSC as part of efforts to strengthen links between tourism and hospitality training institutions and industry players.

The partnership is expected to give graduates opportunities to enter the international hospitality and cruise industry, while exposing them to global standards and practices.

The move is also intended to address one of the major challenges facing graduates from training institutions- the transition from classroom learning into employment.

Bitok underscored the national significance of the college, saying its impact would extend beyond Kilifi and the wider Coast region.

Bitok said the institution would play a key role in developing a highly skilled workforce capable of improving the quality of services offered to tourists visiting Kenya.

The government expects the college to contribute to increased tourist arrivals, improved service standards and higher tourism revenues by producing professionals equipped with modern hospitality and culinary skills.

The institution comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to strengthen its tourism sector and diversify the experiences available to both domestic and international visitors.

The Coast remains one of the country's most important tourism circuits, attracting visitors to its beaches, historical sites, marine attractions and cultural destinations.