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By Nicholas Wambua | Lower Eastern Digital Media
The County Government of Kitui has taken a bold step toward transforming the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya Utalii College to establish a state-of-the-art Utalii College campus in Kitui County.
The signing ceremony, presided over by Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH, and attended by Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, who also serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism, Hospitality and Game Reserves, marked a defining moment in the county’s journey toward economic diversification and youth empowerment.
Speaking during the event, Governor Malombe described the agreement as “a historic partnership that will redefine the face of tourism and hospitality training in the Lower Eastern region.”
“I am honoured to join you today as we witness and celebrate the signing of this historic Memorandum of Understanding between the County Government of Kitui and the Kenya Utalii College,” he said. “This MOU lays the foundation for the establishment of a Kenya Utalii College Campus in Kitui County.”
The Governor announced that the County Government has already committed to providing land and basic infrastructure including access roads, water, electricity, fencing, and a temporary gate installation to support the project.
On its part, Kenya Utalii College will mobilize resources to construct and equip the campus, provide trainers, and guarantee that at least 10 percent of all admissions at the new campus will be reserved for students from Kitui County.
“This partnership symbolizes the true spirit of devolution in action,” Governor Malombe emphasized. “It is where national and county institutions come together to empower our people, unlock local potential, and build a sustainable future.”
He further highlighted that the collaboration will not only promote hospitality and tourism training but also boost local economic growth through the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), job creation, and increased investment in the service industry.
“Hospitality is not merely about leisure and service it is a pillar of economic growth that contributes to revenue generation and employment creation, especially for our youth and women,” the governor noted. “The establishment of an Utalii College Campus in Kitui means our young people will no longer need to travel far to access world-class training in hospitality and tourism.”
Governor Malombe also underscored that the campus will promote various forms of tourism, including eco-tourism, agro-tourism, religious tourism, and even medical tourism—leveraging the Kitui County Teaching and Referral Hospital as a regional renal care centre under the South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB).
He concluded by calling on private investors, communities, and the youth to take advantage of the new opportunities in the hospitality sector.
“This MoU is more than a document; it is a promise a promise to our youth for better opportunities, to our people for shared prosperity, and to our nation that Kitui is ready to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s tourism and hospitality excellence,” Dr. Malombe said.
In his remarks, Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, who also doubles as the County Minister for Tourism, hailed the partnership as a game-changer for Kitui’s economic and social transformation.
“This MoU is a major leap forward for our tourism and hospitality agenda,” Kanani stated. “It will not only strengthen Kitui’s position as a destination of choice but also build a skilled workforce that meets global standards.”
He added that the establishment of the Utalii College campus will serve as a catalyst for tourism promotion, attract investors, and help market Kitui’s untapped potential ranging from cultural heritage sites and scenic landscapes to game reserves and traditional crafts.
“We are committed to ensuring this partnership delivers tangible results to our people,” Kanani affirmed. “As a county, we are ready to work closely with Kenya Utalii College and all stakeholders to make Kitui the next frontier of tourism education and excellence in Eastern Kenya.”
The partnership between Kitui County and Kenya Utalii College stands as a beacon of intergovernmental cooperation anchored on mutual growth, training, and sustainable development.
With this milestone, Kitui County now positions itself as a hub for learning, culture, and sustainable tourism, offering renewed hope and opportunity for thousands of young people across the region.
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