Hospitality & Tourism

Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Hospitality Management

The Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Hospitality Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in food service and hospitality management. The programme falls under the Hospitality & Tourism category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.

The curriculum covers Food Service Principles and Food Service Management, Food and Beverage Management, Hospitality Operations and Hotel Management, Institutional Feeding and Catering Management, Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Hospitality Marketing and Food Service Marketing. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in technical and analytical competencies. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.

Throughout the programme, students study Hospitality Finance and Cost Control, Food Service Principles and Food Service Management, Hospitality Marketing and Food Service Marketing, Food and Beverage Management, Hospitality and Food Service Law. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.

The programme offers specialisations in Food Service Management, Hospitality Marketing and Sales, Institutional Catering. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Food Service and Hospitality Management pursue careers as Institutional Catering Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Food Service Manager / Catering Manager, Hospitality Marketing Manager. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 225,576
Private, up to: Ksh 250,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 6 months
Average class: 50 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Food Service Principles and Food Service Management
Food and Beverage Management
Hospitality Operations and Hotel Management
Institutional Feeding and Catering Management
Food Safety and Food Hygiene
Hospitality Marketing and Food Service Marketing
Hospitality Finance and Cost Control
Hospitality Human Resources and Leadership
Hospitality and Food Service Law
Research Methods and Hospitality Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Food Service Principles and Food Service Management
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Food service principles, food service management, food service operations, and supporting food service principles.
Communication Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Communication Skills: Academic writing, presentation skills, and professional communication. Develops practical skills for academic and professional contexts.
Foundations of the Discipline
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of the Discipline: Introduction to core concepts, theories, and principles of the field. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Food and Beverage Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Food and beverage management, catering management, banquet management, beverage service, and supporting food and beverage management.
Research Methods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques.
Information Technology Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Computer applications, data processing, and digital literacy for academic and professional use.
Statistics and Data Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Statistical methods, probability, and data interpretation for research and practice.
Professional Ethics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Ethical principles, professional conduct, and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Hospitality Marketing and Food Service Marketing
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Hospitality marketing, food service marketing, digital marketing, tourism branding, and supporting hospitality marketing.
Hospitality Finance and Cost Control
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Hospitality finance, cost control, budgeting, financial management, revenue management, and supporting hospitality finance.
Project Management
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
Project Management: Project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation techniques. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Business planning, venture creation, and innovation management. Equips students with practical skills for venture creation and business management.

Specialisations

Food Service Management
Focuses on food service principles, food service management, catering management, and institutional feeding.
Hospitality Marketing and Sales
Focuses on hospitality marketing, food service marketing, tourism promotion, and digital marketing. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Institutional Catering
Focuses on institutional feeding, school feeding, hospital feeding, university catering, and corporate catering.
Food and Beverage Management
Concentrates on food and beverage management, catering management, banquet management, and beverage service.
Hospitality Management
Specialises in hospitality operations, hotel management, resort management, and hospitality services.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Research and Analysis
Focus on research methods, data analysis, and evidence-based decision making. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on food service principles, hospitality operations, or food and beverage management, followed by kitchen practicals, hospitality attachments, or food service attachments. Students manage food service operations, provide hospitality services, handle catering, ensure food safety, and work on their research project. Food service and hospitality attachments at hotels, restaurants, and catering companies provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — tourism growth, hotel expansion, and restaurant development create strong demand for food service and hospitality management professionals.
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
Graduates are eligible for HELB loans and government funding.
Entrepreneurship opportunities — graduates can start restaurants, catering businesses, or hospitality ventures.

Against it

Limited programme specialisation options may be available.
Competitive job market requiring practical experience and networking.
Seasonality — tourism is seasonal with peak and off-peak seasons affecting employment and income.
Customer pressure — hospitality involves dealing with demanding guests, complaints, and high service expectations.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 91 hospitality & tourism courses

Public204k to 226k

204k at Kenyatta University226k at JKUAT

Private121k to 250k

121k at Zetech University250k at Kenya Methodist University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

JKUAT 226K, KU 204K/yr (official/KUCCPS). Zetech 121K, KeMU ~250K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, hospitality sponsorships, and food service sponsorships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
Kenya Utalii College Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Students admitted to tourism and hospitality programmes at Kenya Utalii College
Tourism Training Revolution Fund
BursaryKenyan
Students pursuing tourism and hospitality training

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Hospitality, Food Service, Catering, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant hospitality or food service experience is advantageous.

English or Kiswahili
C+
Geography or History
C
Economics or Business Studies
C
Mathematics
C

How you are assessed

5 components

End of Semester Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering all course content for the semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and food service reports throughout each semester.
End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering food service principles, hospitality operations, food and beverage management, hospitality finance, and hospitality law.
Food Service and Hospitality Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of food service and hospitality competencies including food service operations, hospitality services, food safety, and customer service.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including food service work, hospitality work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for food safety. The Kenya Tourism Act governs tourism practice. The National Tourism Policy guides tourism development. KEBS sets food safety standards.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
CUE is the statutory body responsible for the accreditation and quality assurance of university programmes in Kenya.
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

8 roles

Graduate Trainee
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 60,000
Entry-level position applying academic knowledge in a professional environment.
Research Assistant
Moderate demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 65,000
Supporting research projects through data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Project Officer
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 80,000
Coordinating and implementing projects in public, private, or NGO sectors.
Analyst
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 90,000
Analysing data, trends, and patterns to support decision-making.
Institutional Catering Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 140,000
Manages institutional feeding, school feeding, hospital feeding, university catering, and food safety at universities, schools, or hospitals.
Food and Beverage Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages food and beverage services, catering management, banquet management, and food safety at hotels, resorts, or restaurants.
Food Service Manager / Catering Manager
High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages food service operations, catering management, banquet management, and food safety at restaurants, catering companies, or hotels certified by KEBS.
Hospitality Marketing Manager
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Implements hospitality marketing, food service marketing, tourism promotion, and digital marketing at KTB, county governments, or hospitality companies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as food service managers and hospitality managers. Food service and hospitality management is in high demand driven by tourism growth. Salaries range from KES 60,000 to 150,000 per month. Ministry of Tourism, KTB, hotels, restaurants, and catering companies offer the main opportunities.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Opera PMS
Hotel managementPrimary
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet
QuickBooks
Accounting
Micros POS
Point of sale
HACCP Systems
Safety
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point food safety management systems
HACCP Software
Software
Food safety management software for food service compliance.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Software
Presentation software for hospitality training and stakeholder presentations.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Food service and hospitality management is just about cooking.
Food service and hospitality management includes food service management, hospitality operations, catering management, food safety, and business management — cooking is one component.
Hospitality management is only about hotels.
Hospitality management includes hotels, restaurants, catering companies, event venues, institutional feeding, and various hospitality settings — hotels are one setting.
There are limited career opportunities for food service and hospitality management graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's tourism growth, hotel expansion, restaurant development, and institutional feeding create demand for food service and hospitality management professionals at hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and institutions.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.