The hospitality and tourism industries have experienced tremendous growth both in size and complexity.  That growth in turn fuelled a dramatic increase in the number and types of academic and professional programs at universities all over the world. In addition, changes in the work environment, increased competition, a demanding and increasingly sophisticated clientele, advances in technology and the changing expectations of investors, employers and employees have profoundly impacted education and training as it relates to the hospitality and tourism Industries.

Hospitality students during a practical lesson

The department of Hospitality and Leisure Studies (HLS) at The Technical University of Kenya offers diploma, undergraduate, and post graduate degree programs in four major thematic areas: Tourism and Travel Management; Leisure and Event Management; Hospitality Management; and Institutional Catering and Accommodation Management. Our mission is to develop competent, practical, and entrepreneurial graduates, promote transformative interdisciplinary research and to provide innovative solutions to challenges  facing communities, industry and society.

The department endeavours to promote discovery, creativity and innovation in its programs by influencing the wider environment affecting the Hospitality and Leisure sector. It aims to fill the skills gap in the four thematic areas by nurturing, mentoring and developing highly competent and hands on graduates conversant with contemporary world of work and societal issues. To actualize this, the department engages students in specialized all round quality education and training, engages in research through providing quality structured and monitored industrial exposure (IBL),  

 Events Management Students during a Mock Wedding

as well as partnerships and collaborations with the industry.  The teaching of these courses are complemented by a strong Industry Based Learning (IBL) program that runs for at least 12 weeks per session where students get hands on experience under the supervision of industry experts.