Cost of studying catering in Kenya

Are you considering a career in the hospitality industry but unsure about the financial investment required? This comprehensive guide provides current information on catering course fees across Kenyan institutions, helping you make informed decisions about your culinary education. We’ll explore tuition costs for both certificate and diploma programs, additional expenses you should budget for, and available financial assistance options.

Catering is one of the most practical and in-demand skills in Kenya today. Whether you dream of working in a hotel, starting a food business, or becoming a private chef, formal training in catering can open many doors. But before enrolling, many students and parents want to know the cost of studying catering in Kenya — and what the training includes.

In this detailed guide, we break down tuition fees, other costs, and funding options for certificate and diploma catering programs across Kenya.

Why Study Catering in Kenya?

The hospitality and food industry in Kenya is growing fast. Hotels, restaurants, catering companies, hospitals, and schools are constantly hiring trained catering professionals.

Catering careers include:

• Chef or assistant chef

• Baker or pastry chef

• Kitchen supervisor

• Event caterer or food stylist

• Personal or institutional cook

Catering is also ideal for those who want to start their own small businesses, such as restaurants, cake shops, food delivery services, or outdoor catering companies.

What Does a Catering Course Cover?

Depending on the level (certificate or diploma), catering training usually includes:

• Food preparation and presentation

• Baking and pastry production

• Kitchen hygiene and food safety

• Nutrition and menu planning

• Customer service and communication

• Entrepreneurship and business skills

• Industrial attachment (internship)

Course duration:

• Certificate: 6 months to 1 year

• Diploma: 1.5 to 2 years

• Short courses: 3 to 6 months

Cost of Studying Catering in Kenya (2025 Estimates)

The cost of catering courses varies depending on the institution, course level, and location. Here’s a general breakdown:

1. Certificate in Catering

Other costs:

• Uniforms & aprons: Ksh 2,000 – 5,000

• Cooking equipment/tools: Ksh 3,000 – 10,000

• Examination fee (KNEC or CDACC): Ksh 2,500 – 5,000

• Attachment/Internship costs: Varies (some are unpaid)

2. Diploma in Catering or Food Production

• Boarding (if residential): Ksh 5,000 – 10,000/month

• Books and learning materials: Ksh 3,000 – 6,000

• Assessment fees (especially for CDACC-based programs)

Notable Catering Schools and Their Fees

Here are some of the most popular catering institutions in Kenya and their approximate costs:

1. Kenya Utalii College – Nairobi

• Certificate in Food Production: ~Ksh 100,000 – 120,000/year

• Diploma in Hotel Management/Catering: ~Ksh 200,000/year

• Highly respected in the hospitality industry

• Offers accommodation and international placement

2. Nairobi Technical Training Institute (NTTI)

• Certificate in Catering and Accommodation: ~Ksh 30,000 – 40,000/year

• Government subsidized

• Accredited by KNEC

3. Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC)

• Offers international diploma and certificate programs

• Costs range from Ksh 200,000 to 350,000/year

• Strong industry partnerships and internship support

4. International Hotel and Tourism Institute (IHTI) – Nairobi

• Professional culinary arts courses

• Certificate & diploma levels

• Fees range from Ksh 180,000 – 300,000/year

5. KIPS Technical College

• Offers short courses and diplomas

• Affordable with flexible payment plans

• Fees for catering courses: Ksh 30,000 – 60,000/year

Are There Scholarships or Funding Options?

Yes. Some ways to reduce the cost of studying catering in Kenya include:

• Government scholarships through HELB (especially for TVET students)

• NGO support programs like Wings to Fly or KYEOP

• Ajira Digital Program for digital food business skills

• County bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds

• Flexible payment plans offered by private colleges

Tips to Reduce Costs While Studying Catering

• Buy cooking tools and ingredients in bulk with classmates

• Choose a public institution if budget is tight

• Apply early for scholarships and bursaries

• Use free or low-cost online learning platforms for extra skills (YouTube, Alison, Udemy)

Final Thoughts

The cost of studying catering in Kenya depends on your institution of choice, course level, and location. Whether you choose a public TVET college or a high-end hospitality school, catering is a worthwhile investment that can lead to employment, entrepreneurship, or even international opportunities.

Tip: Choose a training center that offers practical experience and recognized certification like KNEC or TVET-CDACC. Your skills in the kitchen can shape your future.