Department of Hospitality & Tourism

Healthy food,Healthier life

The School of Tourism, Hospitality & Catering at the African Institute of Research and Development Studies (AIRADS College) is one of the most dynamic schools, offering students a pathway into globally competitive careers.

Hospitality and Tourism is among the fastest growing industries worldwide, creating millions of jobs each year in hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise ships, events, catering companies, and tourism destinations.

Our programs combine hands-on practical training, industrial attachments, and internationally recognized examinations (KNEC, TVET CDACC) to ensure our graduates are job-ready, entrepreneurial, and globally marketable.

Programs Offered

 Diploma & Higher Diploma Programs

  • Catering & Accommodation Management – Level 6 (TVET CDACC)
  • Diploma in Housekeeping Management – Level I, II, III (KNEC)
  • Diploma in Catering & Hotel Management (ICM)
  • Food & Beverage Management – Level 6 (TVET CDACC)
  • Food Production (Culinary Arts) – Level 6 (TVET CDACC)
  • Housekeeping & Accommodation – Level 6 (TVET CDACC)
  • Baking Technology – Level 6 (TVET CDACC)
  • Event Planning & Management – Diploma
  • Diploma in Tourism & Travel Management
  • Diploma in Front Office Operations & Administration

Certificate Programs

  • Certificate in Catering & Hotel Management (ICM)
  • Catering & Accommodation Operations – Level 5 (TVET CDACC)
  • Certificate in Housekeeping & Dry Cleaning (KNEC)
  • Food & Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) – Level 5 (TVET CDACC)
  • Housekeeping & Accommodation – Level 5 (TVET CDACC)
  • Baking Technology – Level 5 (TVET CDACC)
  • Certificate in Pastry & Cake Decoration
  • Certificate in Tour Guiding & Travel Operations

 Artisan & Short Courses

  • Food & Beverage Production (Culinary Arts) – Level 4 (TVET CDACC)
  • Housekeeping & Accommodation – Level 4 (TVET CDACC)
  • Baking Technology (Cake Decoration & Pastry Production) – Level 4 (TVET CDACC)
  • Baking Technology (Cake Production & Decoration) – Level 4 (TVET CDACC)
  • Baking Technology (Production of Cakes & Pastry Products) – Level 4 (TVET CDACC)
  • Artisan in Food & Beverage Production & Service
  • Artisan in Catering & Accommodation

Why Choose Hospitality & Catering at AIRADS?

    1. Global Career Opportunities – Hotels, airlines, cruise ships, events, restaurants, and tourism industries.
    2. Accredited Examinations – KNEC, ICM, and TVET CDACC ensure recognized certifications.
    3. Hands-On Training – Practical exposure in kitchens, bakeries, hotels, and events management.
    4. Industrial Attachments – Guaranteed placements in leading hotels, restaurants, and travel firms.
    5. Entrepreneurship Pathway – Learn to start your own restaurant, bakery, catering firm, or tour company.
    6. Qualified Trainers – Industry-experienced chefs, tourism experts, and hospitality lecturers.
    7. Progression Opportunities – From Artisan → Certificate → Diploma → Higher Diploma → Degree.
    8. Student Diversity – Connect with peers across 8 campuses, building teamwork and networks.

Career Opportunities

The Hospitality and Tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering endless career possibilities both locally and internationally. Graduates from AIRADS College’s Hospitality and Tourism Department gain the skills and experience to thrive in diverse career paths, including:

  • Hotel and Resort Management – Oversee operations, guest services, and facilities in world-class hotels and resorts.

  • Food and Beverage Management – Manage restaurants, catering companies, and event dining operations with excellence.

  • Travel and Tour Operations – Plan, organize, and manage travel itineraries, tours, and safaris for clients.

  • Event Planning and Management – Coordinate conferences, weddings, exhibitions, and corporate events.

  • Cruise Line Services – Work onboard luxury cruise ships offering global hospitality experiences.

  • Tourism Marketing and Promotion – Develop strategies to attract and promote tourist destinations.

  • Front Office and Customer Relations – Handle guest interactions and ensure excellent customer service in hospitality establishments.

  • Eco and Sustainable Tourism Management – Promote responsible tourism and conservation-based travel experiences.

  • Culinary Arts and Catering Services – Specialize in professional cooking, baking, and kitchen management.

  • Entrepreneurship in Hospitality – Start and manage your own restaurant, hotel, or travel agency.

Diploma & Certificate Courses

Short Courses

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Admission Requirements – AIRADS College

📌 Diploma Programs

✅ Entry Requirement:

  • Minimum KCSE Mean Grade C- (Minus) and above, OR
  • Pass in a relevant Certificate course from a recognized institution.

✅ Duration:

  • 2 – 3 years depending on the program.

✅ Examination Bodies:

  • Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC)
  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC)
  • Institute of Commercial Management (ICM – UK)

📌 Certificate Programs

✅ Entry Requirement:

  • Minimum KCSE Mean Grade D (Plain) and above, OR
  • Progression from Artisan Level (for some courses).

✅ Duration:

  • 1 – 2 years depending on the program.

✅ Examination Bodies:

  • Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC)
  • Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC)
  • Institute of Commercial Management (ICM – UK)

Artisan Programs (Entry Level)

✅ Entry Requirement:

  • KCSE Mean Grade D- (Minus) and below, OR KCPE Certificate.

✅ Duration:

  • 6 months – 1 year depending on the course.

✅ Examination Bodies:

  • TVET CDACC
  • NITA

Our programs combine hands-on practical training, industrial attachments, and internationally recognized examinations (KNEC, TVET CDACC) to ensure our graduates are job-ready, entrepreneurial, and globally marketable.

COURSESMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONEXAM BODYDURATIONCAMPUS OFFERING
Diploma in Hotel and
Catering Management		C-(Minus)KNEC6 TermsEldoret Kericho Nakuru Bungoma
Certificate in Hotel and
Catering Management		D (Plain)KNEC4 TermsEldoret Kericho Nakuru Bungoma
Diploma  in  Food  and
Beverage Management		C-(Minus)KNEC6 TermsEldoret Kericho Nakuru Bungoma
Certificate in Food and
Beverage Management		D (Plain)KNEC4 TermsEldoret Kericho Nakuru Bungoma
Diploma in Tourism ManagementC-(Minus)KNEC6 TermsEldoret Kericho Lodwar Nakuru Bungoma
Certificate in Tourism
Management		D (Plain)KNEC4 TermsEldoret Kericho Lodwar Nakuru Bungoma
Artisan in Food & Beverage
Management		OpenKNEC3 TermsEldoret Kericho Nakuru Bungoma
INTAKE IN PROGRESS