What Certificate Courses Are Available for Women in Hospitality in Nairobi?
- Kibondeni
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Nairobi is a vibrant hub for Kenya’s hospitality industry, with hotels, restaurants, and catering services in constant need of skilled professionals. For women who dream of building a career in hospitality, certificate courses provide a practical entry point into this growing sector.
At Kibondeni College of Catering and Hospitality, young women can pursue accredited certificate programs that combine hands-on training with real industry exposure. These courses are designed not only to equip learners with technical skills but also to prepare them for immediate employment opportunities.
Certificate Courses at Kibondeni
Here’s a quick overview of the hospitality certificate courses available at Kibondeni in Nairobi:
Course | Duration | Entry Requirement | Main Areas Covered | Career Paths |
NITA NSC IV | 4 terms | KCSE mean grade D plain to A | Housekeeping, Laundry, Service, Food Production | Hotel operations, catering, service supervision |
NITA NSC III | 3 terms | KCPE or KCSE D− (minus) | Housekeeping, Laundry, Service, Food Production | Entry-level hospitality roles |
NITA Grade Test | 3 terms | KCPE or KCSE | Food Production, Housekeeping, Laundry, Service | Kitchen assistants, hotel support staff |
Housekeeping & Cookery Course (H.C.C.) | 3 months | Open entry | Food Production, Housekeeping, Laundry, Service | Domestic management, small catering businesses |
Each course runs Monday to Friday (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) for the full programs, while the short H.C.C. course runs 4 afternoons a week. What makes Kibondeni unique is its dual training model, where students spend time both in class and in real hotels — gaining work experience even before graduation.
Student Success Story: Yvonne
One of Kibondeni’s inspiring alumnae is Yvonne, who finished a one-year course in April 2017.
Despite scoring a D in her KCSE, Yvonne had a passion for cooking. She used to collect newspaper clippings of kitchen tools and menus she dreamed of trying one day. When her father discovered Kibondeni online, he was drawn to the fact that it was a college for women and focused on more than academics.
At first, Yvonne struggled — she failed her entry test because of weak math skills. But instead of giving up, she studied math intensively for two weeks and retook the test. This time, she passed and was admitted.
Her determination paid off: she finished second best in her class, and during her attachment at Tune (Ibis) Hotel in Westlands, she impressed the management so much that they offered her a job.
Yvonne’s starting salary was Kshs. 35,000 ($271.02) plus service charges of Kshs. 5,000–15,000 ($38 - $116), a figure beyond what she or her parents had ever imagined. Of the five Kibondeni students on attachment at the hotel, four were hired immediately.
Today, Yvonne is thriving in the hospitality industry. She remains ambitious, planning to work for a few years before continuing her studies. Her story shows that with hard work, resilience, and the right training, even setbacks like a poor KCSE grade do not define one’s future.
Why Choose Kibondeni?
Accredited Courses: All major programs are NITA-certified.
Hands-On Experience: Dual training and attachments in leading hotels and catering institutions.
Supportive Environment: A women-focused college that nurtures both skills and personal growth.
Strong Alumni Network: Graduates like Yvonne demonstrate the doors Kibondeni can open.
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