Hospitality & Tourism

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism

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

The curriculum covers Hospitality Principles and Hospitality Operations, Tourism Management and Tourism Operations, Hotel Management and Resort Management, Food and Beverage Management, Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing, Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism. 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 Principles and Hospitality Operations, Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance, Research Methods, Tourism Research and Project, Hotel Management and Resort Management, Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism. 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 Hotel and Resort Management, Tourism Management and Development, Tour Operations and Travel Management. 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 Hospitality and Tourism pursue careers as Tourism Manager / Tourism Officer, Tour Operations Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Destination 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 204,000
Private, up to: Ksh 152,000
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

Hospitality Principles and Hospitality Operations
Tourism Management and Tourism Operations
Hotel Management and Resort Management
Food and Beverage Management
Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing
Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism
Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance
Hospitality Human Resources and Leadership
Hospitality and Tourism Law
Research Methods and Tourism Research

Modules

10 in the programme

Hospitality Principles and Hospitality Operations
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Hospitality principles, hospitality operations, hotel management, resort management, hospitality services, and supporting hospitality principles.
Tourism Management and Tourism Operations
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Tourism management, tourism operations, tourism development, tour operations, travel agency management, and supporting tourism management.
Hotel Management and Resort Management
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Hotel management, resort management, lodge management, guest services, room management, and supporting hotel management.
Food and Beverage Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Food and beverage management, catering management, beverage service, banquet management, and supporting food and beverage management.
Tourism Marketing and Destination Marketing
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Tourism marketing, destination marketing, hospitality marketing, digital marketing, tourism branding, and supporting tourism marketing.
Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Tourism
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Sustainable tourism, responsible tourism, ecotourism, environmental management, social responsibility, and supporting sustainable tourism.
Tourism Economics and Tourism Finance
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Tourism economics, tourism finance, hospitality finance, cost control, budgeting, and supporting tourism economics.
Hospitality Human Resources and Leadership
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Hospitality human resources, staff management, team leadership, training and development, employee relations, and supporting hospitality human resources.
Hospitality and Tourism Law
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Hospitality law, tourism law, tourism regulations, professional ethics, customer rights, and supporting hospitality and tourism law.
Research Methods, Tourism Research and Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, data collection, monitoring and evaluation, M and E, scientific writing, KTB regulations, tourism research, research project, and supporting research methods and project work.

Specialisations

Tourism Management and Development
Specialises in tourism management, tourism development, tourism operations, and tourism policy. 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.
Destination Marketing and Management
Concentrates on destination marketing, tourism promotion, tourism branding, 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.
Tour Operations and Travel Management
Focuses on tour operations, travel agency management, tourism logistics, and tour packages. 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.
Food and Beverage Management
Focuses on food and beverage management, catering management, banquet management, and hospitality services.
Hotel and Resort Management
Focuses on hotel management, resort management, hospitality operations, and guest services. 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 hospitality principles, tourism management, or tourism marketing, followed by hospitality practicals, tourism attachments, or field trips. Students manage hospitality operations, provide guest services, handle tourism operations, manage tourism services, and work on their research project. Hospitality and tourism attachments at hotels, tourism companies, and KTB provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — tourism growth, hotel expansion, and tourism company development create strong demand for hospitality and tourism management professionals.
Diverse settings — graduates work at hotels, resorts, tourism companies, tour operators, travel agencies, restaurants, and event venues.
Entrepreneurship opportunities — graduates can start hotels, restaurants, tourism businesses, or hospitality ventures.

Against it

Long hours — hospitality and tourism work involves long hours, weekends, holidays, and shift work.
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

Public200k to 204k

200k at Mama Ngina University College204k at Kenyatta University

Private143k to 152k

143k at Zetech University152k 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

KU/Moi 204,000/yr (ku.ac.ke, eafinder). Zetech 142,600; KeMU 152,000/yr (educationnewshub).

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

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.
Hospitality and Tourism Sponsorships
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Hotels, tourism companies, and hospitality businesses may sponsor hospitality and tourism students in exchange for service commitment.
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, Tourism Management, Hotel Management, or related fields from recognised institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant hospitality or tourism 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 Written Examinations
Exam30% of the mark
Written examinations covering hospitality principles, tourism management, tourism marketing, tourism economics, and hospitality law.
Hospitality and Tourism Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of hospitality and tourism competencies including hospitality operations, tourism operations, guest services, and tourism marketing.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, case studies, and hospitality reports throughout each semester.
Industry Attachment Assessment
Clinical10% of the mark
Assessment of industry attachments including hospitality work, tourism work, documentation, and supervision evaluation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent hospitality and tourism management research project, assessed through written report and presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Certified by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for tourism professionals. The Kenya Tourism Act governs tourism practice. The National Tourism Policy guides tourism development. KAHC represents hospitality professionals.

Accredited by

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

5 roles

Tourism Manager / Tourism Officer
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages tourism operations, tourism development, tourism services, and tourism programmes at KTB, county governments, or tourism companies.
Tour Operations Manager
High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 150,000
Manages tour operations, tourism logistics, travel agency services, and tour packages at tour operators or travel agencies.
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.
Destination Marketing Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages destination marketing, tourism promotion, tourism branding, and digital marketing at KTB, county governments, or tourism companies.
Hospitality Manager / Hotel Manager
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Manages hotels, resorts, lodges, and hospitality operations at hotels, resorts, or hospitality companies.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as hospitality managers and tourism managers. Hospitality and tourism management is in high demand driven by tourism growth. Salaries range from KES 65,000 to 160,000 per month. Ministry of Tourism, KTB, hotels, tourism companies, and event venues 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

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Hospitality and tourism management is just about hotels.
Hospitality and tourism management includes hotels, resorts, tourism companies, tour operators, travel agencies, restaurants, event venues, and various tourism and hospitality establishments — hotels are one setting.
Tourism management is only about guiding tourists.
Tourism management includes tourism development, destination marketing, tourism operations, tourism policy, tourism economics, and tourism business management — guiding is one component.
There are limited career opportunities for hospitality and tourism management graduates in Kenya.
Kenya's tourism growth, hotel expansion, tourism company development, and destination marketing create demand for hospitality and tourism management professionals at hotels, tourism companies, KTB, and event venues.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.