Kenya Utalii College (KUC), established in 1975, is Africa’s leading hospitality and tourism training institution, having trained over 60,000 graduates who excel in local and international industries. With its main campus along Thika Superhighway in Nairobi and satellite campuses in Mombasa and Kisumu, KUC is renowned for its industry-aligned programs, practical training, and global recognition as a member of the International Association of Hotel Schools (EUHOFA). The college’s vision is to be a globally transformative tourism and hospitality training center, while its mission focuses on delivering quality education, research, and consultancy.
Why Choose Utalii College Short Courses?
KUC’s short courses are tailored for flexibility, affordability, and relevance, making them ideal for both beginners and industry professionals. Ranging from one to three months, these programs focus on practical skills in areas like culinary arts, front office operations, and tour guiding, ensuring graduates are job-ready. The college’s state-of-the-art facilities, including training kitchens, a demonstration restaurant, and mock hotel rooms, provide hands-on experience, while its industry linkages through the KUC/Tourism Industry Liaison Committee guarantee relevance.
Key Benefits of KUC Short Courses:
- Affordable Fees: Tuition ranges from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000, with options for Kenyans and non-Kenyans.
- Flexible Schedules: Evening classes (4:00 PM–6:00 PM) and full-time options accommodate working professionals.
- Global Recognition: KUC’s affiliation with EUHOFA and the World Tourism Organization ensures worldwide acceptance.
- Career Advancement: Courses like Supervisory Management and Hotel Revenue Management enhance leadership skills.
- Cultural Engagement: Events like the Gastronomy Festival (November 2024) promote Kenyan cuisine and tourism, with plans for 2025.
- Accessible Campuses: Programs are offered in Nairobi and Kisumu, with Mombasa as an additional option for some courses.
KUC’s commitment to modernizing its curriculum, as highlighted in recent initiatives, ensures alignment with global hospitality trends, making these short courses a strategic investment for career growth.
Utalii College Short Courses and Fees Structure for May 2025
The May 2025 intake offers 21 short courses at the Nairobi Main Campus and select programs at the Kisumu Campus. Below is a detailed breakdown of the courses, durations, schedules, fees, and entry requirements, as outlined by KUC.
Kenya Utalii College Short Courses Fees Structure May 2025
Nairobi Main Campus:
- Kitchen Stewarding Techniques:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 23/6/25
- Description: Trains in kitchen hygiene and equipment management.
- Butchery Techniques:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 65,000 (Kenyans), USD 1,360 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 26/5/25
- Description: Focuses on meat preparation and safety standards.
- Front Desk Techniques:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Prepares for roles like receptionist and guest relations officer.
- Hotel Revenue Management:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Teaches revenue optimization strategies for hotels.
- Hotel Information Systems (Opera):
- Duration: 2 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 35,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Trains in property management software for efficient guest services.
- Food & Beverage Control:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Covers cost control and inventory management in food service.
- Supervisory Management in Organizations:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: Preference for those with work experience
- Fees: Ksh 45,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Enhances leadership and management skills for supervisors.
- Kitchen Operation Techniques:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 65,000 (Kenyans), USD 1,360 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 23/6/25
- Description: Trains in professional kitchen operations and safety.
- Cake Making & Decorations:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 65,000 (Kenyans), USD 1,360 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 26/5/25
- Description: Focuses on cake design and decoration techniques.
- Pastry and Bakery Techniques:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 65,000 (Kenyans), USD 1,360 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 21/7/25
- Description: Teaches baking skills for pastries and breads.
- Barista & Bartending Techniques:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Trains in coffee preparation and cocktail mixing.
- Banqueting & Events Techniques:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 40,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Prepares for managing events and banquets.
- Housekeeping Operational Skills:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 46,000 (Kenyans), USD 900 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Covers guest room maintenance and cleaning standards.
- Professional Homecare Management Program:
- Duration: 1 month (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 36,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Trains in domestic and institutional homecare management.
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Operational Skills:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 45,000 (Kenyans), USD 890 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Teaches laundry and dry-cleaning techniques.
- Customer Care:
- Duration: 2 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 35,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Enhances skills in guest relations and service excellence.
- French Levels A1-B2:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 30,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Teaches French for hospitality communication.
- German Levels A1-B2:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 30,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Trains in German language skills for tourism.
- Italian Levels A1-B2:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 30,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Offers Italian language training for industry roles.
- Chinese Levels 1-3:
- Duration: 3 months (4:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Requirements: KCSE/‘O’ Level
- Fees: Ksh 30,000 (Kenyans), USD 670 (Non-Kenyans)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Teaches Chinese for hospitality and tourism.
- Basic Certification Course for Practicing Tour Guides:
- Duration: 1 month (Full-time)
- Requirements: Practicing guides with 2+ years’ experience, KCSE certificate, registered with a tourism association, Kenyan resident
- Fees: Ksh 58,500 (Kenyans only)
- Start Date: 12/5/25
- Description: Enhances tour guiding skills for accreditation.
Kisumu Campus:
- Select courses (e.g., Front Desk Techniques, Housekeeping Operational Skills) may be offered, subject to demand. Contact the Kisumu Campus at +254 706-847278 or ksmcampus@utalii.ac.ke for details.
- Fees: Same as Nairobi, ranging from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000 (Kenyans), USD 670–1,360 (Non-Kenyans).
Additional Costs and Financial Support
Beyond tuition, applicants should budget for additional expenses and explore financial support options.
Additional Costs:
- Application Fee: Ksh 1,000 (Kenyans), USD 50 (Non-Kenyans); Ksh 2,000 for Basic Certification Tour Guides Course (plus Ksh 50 transaction fee).
- Uniforms: Costs for practical lessons (e.g., culinary or housekeeping uniforms) are communicated upon admission.
- Meals and Accommodation: Optional and charged separately, as programs are non-residential. Estimated accommodation costs: Ksh 2,000–5,000 monthly off-campus.
- Educational Trips: Costed separately for courses like tour guiding.
Payment Terms:
- Fees are payable in full before course commencement via:
- Bank: Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Stima Plaza Branch
- Account Name: Kenya Utalii College Fees Account
- Account No.: 01129070937100
- Paybill Number: 222222
- Account Number: KUCC2-Your Name
- Fees are non-refundable once paid.
Financial Support:
- HELB Loans: Not typically available for short courses, but inquire at www.helb.co.ke.
- Bursaries: KUC offers limited bursaries for needy students; download forms from www.utalii.ac.ke.
- Employer Sponsorship: Many professionals secure funding from employers for courses like Supervisory Management.
For exact costs, contact KUC at admissions@utalii.ac.ke or 0722205891.
Application Process for May 2025 Intake
Applications for the May 2025 intake are open, with courses commencing between May 12 and July 21, 2025. The process is online, ensuring accessibility for local and international applicants.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the Website: Go to www.utalii.ac.ke and navigate to the applications section.
- Select Course: Choose a short course based on your qualifications and career goals.
- Complete Form:
- Provide personal details, academic history, and contact information.
- Attach scanned copies (PDF format) of:
- KCSE or O-Level certificate.
- School leaving certificate.
- National ID or birth certificate.
- Proof of work experience (for Supervisory Management or Tour Guides).
- Pay Application Fee: Ksh 1,000 (or Ksh 2,000 for Tour Guides) via Co-operative Bank or Paybill, plus Ksh 50 transaction fee.
- Submit: Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly; incomplete applications are not processed.
- Track Application: Use the provided email and phone number for updates.
Contact for Inquiries:
- Email: admissions@utalii.ac.ke
- Phone: 0722205891, 0722205892, 0733410005
- Nairobi Main Campus: Off Thika Road, P.O. Box 31052-00600, Nairobi
- Kisumu Campus: Railways Training Institute, P.O. Box 19470-40123, Kisumu
Notes:
- Applications not meeting requirements will not be acknowledged.
- International applicants pay USD 50 (except for Tour Guides, Kenyan residents only).
- Application forms are also available at the Nairobi Main Campus, Mombasa Campus (Mombasa Trade Center, +254 20 249 9248), or Kisumu Campus.
Facilities and Learning Environment
KUC’s campuses in Nairobi and Kisumu offer world-class facilities tailored for hospitality and tourism training.
Nairobi Main Campus:
- Training Kitchens: Equipped for culinary, pastry, and butchery courses.
- Demonstration Restaurant: Practical training for barista and banqueting courses.
- Mock Hotel Rooms: For housekeeping and front desk training.
- Computer Labs: Support Hotel Information Systems (Opera) and revenue management courses.
- Library: Resources for research and language studies.
Kisumu Campus:
- Located at Railways Training Institute, offering select courses like Front Desk Techniques.
- Access to practical facilities through partnerships with local hotels.
- Smaller class sizes for personalized attention.
Student Life:
- Events: The Gastronomy Festival (November 2024) showcases Kenyan cuisines, with similar events planned for 2025.
- Clubs: Culinary and tourism clubs foster networking and creativity.
- Industry Exposure: Short courses include visits to hotels and restaurants for practical experience.
Career Prospects for Short Course Graduates
KUC’s short courses open doors to diverse roles in hospitality and tourism, both locally and internationally.
Career Opportunities:
- Culinary Arts: Roles as kitchen stewards, butchers, pastry chefs, or baristas in hotels, restaurants, and catering firms.
- Front Office: Positions like receptionist, reservation officer, or guest relations officer in hotels and resorts.
- Management: Supervisory roles in hotels, restaurants, or event companies after completing Supervisory Management.
- Tourism: Certified tour guides for safari companies, travel agencies, or national parks.
- Language Skills: Enhanced employability in international hotels and airlines with French, German, Italian, or Chinese proficiency.
- Entrepreneurship: Start-ups in catering, event planning, or homecare services.
Industry Demand:
- Kenya’s tourism sector, contributing 10% to GDP (World Bank, 2023), demands skilled professionals.
- KUC graduates are sought after by top employers like Serena Hotels, Safari Park Hotel, and Kenya Airways.
- Short courses like Barista and Customer Care align with the growing hospitality market, projected to create 200,000 jobs by 2030 (MoT, 2024).
Further Studies:
- Credits from short courses can count toward certificate or diploma programs at KUC.
- Graduates can pursue degree programs with the University of Nairobi, such as BA in Hospitality Management.
Tips for Prospective Students
To succeed in applying for KUC’s May 2025 short courses:
- Check Requirements: Ensure you have a KCSE/‘O’ Level certificate; work experience is needed for select courses.
- Apply Early: Submit applications well before May 12, 2025, to secure a spot.
- Budget Wisely: Account for tuition (Ksh 30,000–65,000), application fees, and optional costs like meals.
- Choose Strategically: Select courses aligned with career goals (e.g., Barista for coffee shops, Tour Guiding for tourism).
- Leverage Networks: Engage with KUC alumni or industry professionals for mentorship.
- Contact KUC: Clarify doubts via admissions@utalii.ac.ke or 0722205891.
Utalii College’s Role in Kenya’s Hospitality and Tourism Sector
KUC is a cornerstone of Kenya’s tourism industry, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of sustainable tourism and job creation. Its short courses address skill gaps in areas like customer care, revenue management, and tour guiding, supporting the sector’s growth. The college’s partnerships with the University of Nairobi, IATA, and EUHOFA enhance its global impact, while events like the Gastronomy Festival promote cultural tourism.
By offering affordable, flexible short courses, KUC democratizes access to world-class training, empowering youth and professionals to contribute to Kenya’s Sh1.2 trillion tourism economy (KNBS, 2024). Its focus on modernizing curricula ensures graduates meet evolving demands, such as digitalization in hotel operations and sustainable tourism practices.
Kenya Utalii College’s short courses for the May 2025 intake offer an accessible, high-value pathway to careers in hospitality and tourism. With fees ranging from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 65,000, courses like Front Desk Techniques, Cake Making, and Tour Guiding cater to diverse interests and schedules. Offered at the Nairobi Main Campus and Kisumu Campus, these programs combine practical training, industry relevance, and global recognition, making KUC the ideal choice for aspiring professionals.
Apply now via www.utalii.ac.ke to secure your spot. For inquiries, contact admissions@utalii.ac.ke or 0722205891. Join KUC and transform your career in one of Africa’s top hospitality colleges!
