Celebrating the Graduation of 256 Young Women

Hariet Mwangi
May 19
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Last Friday dawned bright and expectant. From the leafy avenues of Nairobi to the palm-fringed coast of Kilifi, two campuses under the Kianda Foundation and Nurisha Trust unfurled their banners. They tuned their drums and opened their gates to a surge of joyful families. By sunset, 256 young women—our newest graduates—had stepped onto the world’s stage, diplomas in hand and dreams ablaze.

A Symphony of Cultures in the Capital

At Kibondeni College, the day began with color. Each dance told a story of heritage meeting opportunity. This was an apt prelude for 176 graduates in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, and Pastry. As tassels turned and mortarboards lifted, guest speaker Petra Baumann of Villa Rosa Kempinski shared powerful advice. She said, “excellence is a daily habit, not a single performance.” Her words reached hearts disciplined by early mornings, baking shifts, and back-to-back service labs.

People joyfully dancing outside a building, surrounded by greenery. The scene is lively, with colorful attire and a sunny, cheerful atmosphere. — Kibondeni students and teachers dancing to welcome the guest of honour

Coastal Courage and Craft

Hundreds of kilometers away, Tewa Training Centre gathered 80 graduates under casuarina shade. The ocean provided a natural backdrop, with waves applauding every name called. Senior officials from NITA Kenya highlighted Tewa’s growing importance in the national skills agenda. They noted that many coastal hotels now see Tewa alumnae among their most trusted staff. For families that once viewed tourism jobs as distant dreams, the sight of daughters receiving Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, and Front-Office certificates felt transformational.

Audience watches a person in a furry costume perform indoors. Background: people in red and black outfits filming, room with grid windows. — Tewa graduates and guests enjoying a mascot

Why These Hospitality Numbers Matter

Behind each statistic, there lies a ripple effect that touches many lives:

Households: Research shows that women reinvest up to 90 percent of their income in family health, nutrition, and education. This investment promotes stability within the family unit.
Employers: Kenya’s hospitality sector anticipates a 5–6 percent annual growth rate. Hiring skilled graduates shortens recruitment lags and raises service standards significantly.
Communities: Each professionally trained woman becomes a mentor. They show that talent, not circumstance, defines destiny, creating a cycle of empowerment within the community.

The Village That Raises a Graduate

Two people hugging joyfully indoors; one in a yellow dress, the other in black holding a rolled paper. Colorful drapes and lattice windows. — A Tewa graduate hugging her teacher

Achieving this success doesn’t happen in isolation. Our gratitude extends to:

Trainers who balance technical precision with moral formation, nurturing both skills and character.
Industry partners—from five-star hotels to small cafés—who open doors for internships and first jobs, providing real-world experiences.
Friends and donors whose steady generosity keeps kitchens equipped, libraries stocked, and tuition affordable.

Future of the Hospitality Industry: Forward Into Flourishing

As the Class of 2025 expands into the workforce—some joining bustling city hotels, others moving to boutique lodges or starting their entrepreneurial ventures—they carry more than skills. They embody the Kianda ethos: professionalism fused with service and creativity anchored in integrity.

We, in turn, hold a promise. We will keep widening the doorway to quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for women and girls across Kenya. When one woman levels up, entire communities rise alongside her.

To our new alumnae: may your knives stay sharp, your ledgers balanced, and your hospitality limitless. The world is waiting for your flavor. 🌍✨