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Kenya Utalii College, in partnership with the Kitui County Government, plans to open a new affiliate campus in Kitui County to provide tourism and hospitality training closer to local students.
College Principal Mark Rachuonyo confirmed the initiative during a visit to Kitui Governor Julius Malombe at the county headquarters.
The governor and principal also inspected the proposed site in Tiva Village, Yatta Kwa Vonza Ward, situated along the Kitui–Machakos border, approximately 15 kilometers from Kitui Town.
The new campus is expected to significantly boost both local and national tourism and hospitality industries. Kitui County is actively working to develop a tourism circuit and revitalize its hospitality sector, making the college’s presence timely and strategic.
Governor Malombe highlighted Kitui’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, which have largely been underutilized before devolution.
“Thanks to focused efforts by our tourism department, these assets have spurred growth in domestic tourism. The arrival of Kenya Utalii College in Kitui signals a bright future for our hospitality and tourism sectors,” he stated.
He added that the project aligns with national priorities on youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth, assuring full support from his administration.
Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, also the County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Hospitality, and Game Reserves, said his ministry is committed to enhancing tourism in Kitui.
“We will officially launch the Kitui Tourism Circuit on Friday, 19th September 2025, which will open new opportunities for youth investment in the sector,” he remarked.
Principal Rachuonyo noted that the Kitui campus will serve a broad region, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Embu, Meru, Isiolo, Tana River, and Northeastern counties.
“We are pleased that Kitui has allocated us 26 acres in Tiva, Kyangwithia Ward, Kitui Central Sub-County. This facility will offer world-class training in tourism and hospitality, equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the industry while promoting cultural preservation and sustainable tourism,” he said.
Tourism remains one of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earners and ranks as the fourth-largest contributor to GDP after agriculture, manufacturing, and transport. In 2024, tourism contributed 8% to Kenya’s GDP, according to the Kenya Economic Survey Report 2024.
