International experts in the hospitality sector have decried skill mismatch among local graduates in the industry, saying it limits their competitiveness in the international market.
They said several students lack strategic skills besides being not proficient in foreign languages, among other skills, making it difficult to adapt to the global trends in the industry.
The experts from EUHOFA, the International Association of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism Schools in Australia, said foreign languages, finance, and strategic management, among other courses, should be compulsory courses in the hospitality industry.
Gerald Lipman, a representative from the school, called on institutions of higher learning to review their curriculum to address the skills mismatch and make their students relevant.
He cited foreign languages courses, saying the students should be proficient in at least three international languages to effectively interact with clients.
“You see, most hospitality students in the country are only proficient in English. We always advise that they pursue other foreign languages, including Spanish, Arabic, or French,” he said while addressing students at the School of Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management at Mount Kenya University (MKU) Main Campus in Thika town Friday.
He emphasised the need for networking between the schools and the industry to establish linkages for placement of students for attachment and job opportunities.
“Securing placements in large cities can be challenging and costly for most students, and thus the need for linkages to assist the students. Some find it challenging to adapt due to the varying environments in different countries, which students need to adapt,” he said.
Other stakeholders called on the students to use the wide range of opportunities to advance their studies so as to gain more knowledge and experience.
By Muoki Charles
