Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) marked its tenth anniversary with a 166-fold increase in revenue and a stronger presence in the global hospitality education industry.
Established in 2015 with an initial turnover of KES 17.8 million (USD 138,000), the Nairobi-based institution has reported cumulative revenues exceeding KES 3 billion (USD 23 million) by the end of 2024.
The increase highlights the institution’s rapid rise as a key driver of talent development and innovation in Africa’s hospitality and culinary arts sectors.
Over the last decade, BIHC has trained over 6,000 graduates and upskilled another 2,400 professionals, establishing itself as a regional hub of excellence.
The college’s success has been fueled by a strategic partnership with the Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) in Switzerland, which allows students to earn dual Swiss-accredited degrees and work in over 47 countries.
“At BIHC, we don’t just train students—we inspire careers, uplift communities, and elevate Africa’s presence on the global hospitality stage,” said Mike Macharia, Chair of the BIHC Board and CEO of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers. “Our first decade has laid a strong foundation, and we are just getting started.”
The institution’s faculty represents over 45 nationalities, delivering hands-on training through access to 3-star and 5-star hotel environments via The Boma Hotels.
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) continues to designate BIHC as a Centre of Excellence, making it Kenya’s only hospitality school.
BIHC’s curriculum includes diplomas in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, as well as specialist certifications in Baking & Patisserie, Barista Skills, Mixology, and international languages like French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
The college has also emphasized inclusivity and social impact.
BIHC has provided scholarships to 127 students, empowered 643 youth, and trained 276 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on women and people with disabilities, thanks to collaborations with organizations such as African Unlimited, the Swiss Secretariat for Migration, the KCB Foundation, and Switch Media.
Its dual vocational apprenticeship model enables students to earn while they learn. A forthcoming Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework will also offer formal certification to experienced professionals lacking traditional academic credentials.
BIHC’s thought leadership is further strengthened by its Pan African Tourism and Hospitality Research Institute (PATHRI), which promotes research and policy dialogue.
Academic progression agreements with universities such as Taylor’s (Malaysia), Strathmore, USIU-Africa, University of Johannesburg, and the University of Central Lancashire provide graduates with international study pathways.
The college’s alumni are now working in key hospitality markets, including the UK, Spain, UAE, Maldives, China, the U.S., and across Africa. BIHC has also represented Kenya at the WorldSkills competitions, earning gold medals in culinary arts.
Beyond education, BIHC provides institutional capacity building and consulting services to major organizations such as Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, UNESCO/UNEVOC, and Kenyatta National Hospital.
It also pioneered Africa’s first African Cuisine Competition in 2023 and is currently the only private college in Kenya recommended for polytechnic status.
Looking ahead, BIHC is embracing sustainability through zero-waste cooking and farm-to-fork sourcing, while integrating e-learning via Moodle and exploring culinary innovation in areas such as molecular gastronomy and fusion cuisine.
The college’s impact has earned it several accolades, including the 2024 Best Hospitality School in Kenya award at the Tourism Excellence Awards, and a spot on Cookery Zone’s list of Africa’s Top 50 Most Influential Food and Beverage Brands.
By Citizen Reporter
