Kenya Invests in Future Tourism Leaders with New Youth Skills Training Program

Published on December 12, 2025

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched a comprehensive youth training initiative aimed at developing critical skills within Kenya’s burgeoning tourism and hospitality industries. The initiative, which targets over 200 young people, is designed to strengthen youth participation and entrepreneurship in one of the country’s most important economic sectors. The announcement was made during the Jamhuri Week celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where KTB CEO June Chepkemei emphasized the role of youth in unlocking the economic potential of Kenya’s tourism sector.

With youth comprising an estimated 70 percent of Kenya’s tourism workforce, the KTB’s new program aims to provide practical, industry-specific training that prepares young people for various roles across the tourism and hospitality industries. This is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to create a more inclusive and sustainable tourism ecosystem, empowering the younger generation to take on leadership roles and business opportunities within the sector.

Experiential Tourism and Youth Empowerment

The launch event featured a Youth Masterclass, where more than 100 young participants engaged in hands-on training sessions covering essential aspects of tourism and hospitality. The masterclass focused on areas such as photography, content creation, partnership building, and the commercialization of creative skills. The sessions highlighted the growing importance of experiential tourism and how creative talents like photography can serve as effective tools for communicating authentic tourism experiences to a global audience.

Participants also learned about the various business components of the tourism industry, including capital requirements, regulatory compliance, and licensing needed to operate successful tourism enterprises. The KTB aims to prepare youth for opportunities across diverse tourism touchpoints such as franchising, ticketing, and hotel reservations. By offering ongoing mentorship and training, KTB provides young people with not only the necessary technical skills but also the business acumen required to succeed in the competitive tourism landscape.

Training the Next Generation of Tourism Entrepreneurs

One of the key aspects of the initiative is its focus on developing both creative and business skills, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to launch and sustain tourism ventures. Margaret Gitonga, one of the trainers, highlighted the importance of foundational business knowledge, stating that the program is designed to help participants understand the business side of the tourism industry, from establishing tourism agencies to running tour operations and hospitality services.

Capacity Building and Sector Support

The third day of Jamhuri Week was dedicated to Capacity Building, Research & Innovation for the Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE sectors, with a strong focus on youth empowerment. This thematic day was part of a broader weeklong celebration of Kenya’s vibrant tourism industry, which included a series of discussions on wildlife and tourism activities, underlining the significant role that these sectors play in the national economy.

The week concluded with the expected attendance of President William Ruto, who will officially inaugurate several key sector documents, including the National Wildlife Census, the Tourism Manifesto, and the Magical Kenya campaign. These launches are set to further strengthen the government’s commitment to advancing Kenya’s tourism, wildlife conservation, and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sectors, offering a holistic approach to tourism development.

Building a Sustainable Future for Kenya’s Tourism

KTB’s youth-focused training initiative is a critical step in preparing the next generation of tourism leaders and entrepreneurs in Kenya. With a growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences, this program aims to equip young people with the skills necessary to contribute to the long-term growth of the sector. The program not only addresses the immediate need for skilled labor in Kenya’s tourism industry but also fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship among youth, allowing them to create innovative solutions that can boost Kenya’s global tourism profile.

Moreover, the program aligns with the country’s broader efforts to increase youth involvement in economic activities and ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across the entire population. By targeting the younger generation, the Kenya Tourism Board is investing in the future of tourism, ensuring that the country remains a competitive and attractive destination for international travelers.

Conclusion: A New Era of Youth-Driven Tourism in Kenya

The Kenya Tourism Board’s youth training initiative marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kenya’s tourism industry. Through innovative programs like the Youth Masterclass, KTB is empowering young Kenyans with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the ever-evolving tourism landscape. With a focus on creative industries, business development, and experiential tourism, this initiative is helping to bridge the gap between youth talents and the opportunities within the tourism sector.

As Kenya’s tourism industry continues to grow and diversify, initiatives like this one are vital for ensuring that the sector remains inclusive, sustainable, and innovative. The continued support for youth empowerment in the tourism industry is positioning Kenya as a leading destination for travelers and investors alike, fostering a vibrant and prosperous future for the nation’s tourism sector.