Utalii College launches modern Barista Training Centre
IAN CHEPKUTO-KNA
Kenya Kenya Utalii College has unveiled a fully equipped Barista Training Centre, which is expected to enhance vocational education and youth empowerment within the hospitality and coffee sectors.
The centre, established through a partnership between the Government of the Republic of Türkiye and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), is designed to provide students with practical, industry-aligned skills across the coffee value chain.
Speaking during the launch, Turkish Ambassador to Kenya Subutay Yuksel said that the centre which is equipped with state-of-the-art barista machines and modern technology, will offer both theoretical and hands-on training, preparing graduates for opportunities in Kenya’s tourism and coffee industries as well as international markets.
According to Ambassador Yuksel, the Barista Training Centre is expected to transform the way hospitality students are trained, moving beyond classroom instruction to real-world competence.
“Trainees will learn roasting techniques, espresso-based beverages, cold drink preparation, and customer service skills. The programme also emphasizes discipline, professionalism, and financial literacy, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled baristas but also well-rounded professionals capable of thriving in competitive environments,” he said.
By equipping students with practical expertise, the Ambassador noted that the initiative aims to enhance employability, stimulate entrepreneurship, and add value to Kenya’s globally respected coffee industry.
The centre, he said, is also expected to encourage youth, women, and persons with disabilities to engage in the hospitality and coffee sectors, creating inclusive opportunities for income generation and independence.
Ambassador Yuksel reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting vocational training and youth empowerment in Kenya.
He noted that tourism and coffee remain vital pillars of Kenya’s economy, and the new centre will help unlock their full potential by producing skilled professionals who can add value across the coffee industry.
“Kenya is one of Africa’s leading tourist destinations and is globally recognised for its high-quality coffee. To sustain growth in these sectors, there is a growing need for skilled baristas and hospitality professionals.
The Barista Training Centre at Utalii College is a concrete example of how Türkiye and Kenya can cooperate to achieve this goal,” Ambassador Yuksel said.
He added that since 2006, TİKA has implemented nearly 291 development projects in Kenya valued at over USD 11.16 million, underscoring Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to people-centred and sustainable development.
The Barista Training Centre is expected to become a model for vocational training in Africa, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers the entire coffee journey from farm to cup.
Beyond technical skills, the programme will instil values of time management, customer care, and respect in service delivery—qualities essential for success in the hospitality industry.
Ambassador Yuksel described the initiative as a symbol of the deepening friendship between Türkiye and Kenya, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that the centre will contribute to Kenya’s coffee culture, support sustainable employment, and enhance service standards in tourism.
Madam Tessie Musalia, spouse to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Chair of the Ushiriki Wema Foundation, urged students at Kenya Utalii College to turn acquired skills into life-changing opportunities.
She emphasised that “training alone will not change your lives; learning to operate the barista machine will transform them,” as she officially handed over state-of-theart barista machines to the institution.
Mrs Musalia noted that the project is part of a broader partnership between the Ushiriki Wema Foundation and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), to establish a fully equipped Barista Training Centre at the college.