Form Four leavers interested in building careers in tourism and hospitality can now apply for courses at Kenya Utalii College through the placement system managed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
KUCCPS has opened its online application system for 13 diploma and certificate programmes offered at the college, allowing students to apply through the centralized placement platform for the first time.
The application window will run until April 1, 2026, and is open to students who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) as well as candidates from previous years.
Diploma Courses Available
Applicants can apply for several diploma programmes in hospitality and tourism, including:
- Diploma in Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Front Office Operations
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
- Diploma in Housekeeping and Laundry Management
- Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management
- Diploma in Tour Guiding and Administration
These programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills needed in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Certificate Courses Offered
In addition to diploma programmes, applicants can also apply for certificate courses such as:
- Certificate in Front Office Operations
- Certificate in Pastry and Bakery
- Certificate in Housekeeping and Laundry Operations
- Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and Sales
- Certificate in Travel and Tour Operations
- Certificate in Tour Guiding and Administration
Utalii Joins KUCCPS Placement System
Established 47 years ago, Kenya Utalii College is one of the leading hospitality and tourism training institutions in Africa.
The college has trained more than 60,000 graduates from Kenya and other countries, many of whom work in the global hospitality and tourism sector.
Previously, the institution admitted students directly. However, the college has now joined the centralized KUCCPS placement system, which is widely used for admissions into universities and colleges across the country.
The move makes Utalii the latest training institution operated outside the Ministry of Education to adopt the system, joining more than 155 institutions, including the Kenya Medical Training College and the Kenya School of Law.
Partnership Aimed at Expanding Access
The collaboration between Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service and Kenya Utalii College was announced earlier this year as part of efforts to expand access to internationally recognised hospitality training programmes.
According to KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome, the placement system promotes fairness and merit in access to higher education opportunities.
She said the platform also enables institutions to attract students from all regions of the country, ensuring broader national representation.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit their applications through the KUCCPS Student Portal, accessible via the KUCCPS website.
Students who require assistance can visit:
- KUCCPS offices at ACK Garden House on 1st Ngong Avenue in Nairobi
- Kenya Utalii College
- Any of the 58 Huduma Centres located across the country
KUCCPS has encouraged eligible candidates to submit their applications before the April 1, 2026 deadline.
