Ronald Ngala College Opens With Focus on Tourism, Maritime Skills and Global Jobs
Ronald Ngala Utalii College, located in Vipingo, admitted its first 300 students last month as efforts to expand skills for the blue economy continue.
The institution has been designed to serve both Kenya's growing tourism industry and employers in international labour markets.
Once fully operational, the college is expected to accommodate up to 4,000 trainees across its specialised programmes.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the institution was established with a broader focus than conventional hospitality training.
Its programmes are intended to combine tourism and hospitality skills with opportunities linked to maritime activities and seafaring.
“If you want to study maritime processes, you must study seafaring,” Bitok said during a visit to the college on Friday.
He described the institution as a premium training centre that had been developed to occupy a specialised position within the sector.
Modern Kitchen Added for Practical Training
A newly installed ultra-modern kitchen has also been unveiled at the college as part of efforts to strengthen practical learning.
The facility can prepare meals for up to 3,000 people and will be used by culinary students during their training.
Training programmes currently offered include hospitality, housekeeping, front office operations and culinary arts.
The practical facilities are expected to give trainees exposure to working environments similar to those found across the hospitality industry.
Environmental and safety considerations were incorporated into the design and installation of the kitchen.
Clean cooking technologies have also been incorporated as part of measures aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable training conditions.
Maritime Training Plans Underway
Plans are also being explored to broaden the college's programmes into maritime and seafaring training.
Talks have been initiated with Maritime Shipping Company (MSC) over possible support for training linked to the maritime industry.
The proposed partnership could expand the range of specialised skills available to students seeking opportunities within the global maritime labour market.
The development is also expected to strengthen the college's role in Kenya's wider blue economy agenda.
The college's construction process began about 13 years ago before it finally opened its doors to students.
President William Ruto is expected to officially commission the institution later this year as its operations continue to expand.
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