Where to find jobs after completing a catering course in Kenya

Completing your catering course is just the beginning of an exciting career journey in Kenya’s thriving hospitality industry. This comprehensive guide reveals the best employment opportunities available to catering graduates, from luxury hotels to emerging food businesses. Learn practical strategies for job searching, understand what employers expect, and discover how to position yourself for success in this competitive field.

Catering is one of the most popular skill-based careers in Kenya today. With the growth of the hospitality industry, more restaurants, hotels, event companies, and private businesses are looking for trained professionals who can prepare and serve food to high standards.

If you have recently completed a catering course in Kenya, you may be wondering, “Where can I find a job?” This article provides a clear and practical guide on where to find employment after completing your training, what employers are looking for, and how to increase your chances of getting hired.

Whether you studied at a public TVET, national polytechnic, or private hospitality college, there are many opportunities waiting for you.

Why Catering Is a Great Career in Kenya

Catering is more than just cooking food. It involves preparing meals, serving guests, planning menus, and ensuring food safety. It is a professional and respected career with many opportunities across the country.

Key Benefits of a Catering Career

• High demand in hotels, schools, and corporate offices

• Opportunities for self-employment through small businesses or home catering

• Flexible job options in events, weddings, and private households

• Fast training duration and affordable tuition fees

• Growth into higher roles like chef, supervisor, or hotel manager

After finishing a catering course, you are equipped with both skills and certifications that can help you start your career.

Top Places to Find Catering Jobs in Kenya

Once you complete your catering course, you can explore job opportunities in the following areas:

1. Hotels and Resorts

Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sectors are always in need of professional catering staff. Hotels employ chefs, cooks, waiters, food handlers, and kitchen assistants.

Examples of employers include:

• Sarova Hotels

• Serena Hotels

• PrideInn Hotels

• Radisson Blu

• Enashipai Resort

• Local resorts in Diani, Naivasha, and Nanyuki

These hotels often advertise jobs on their official websites or social media pages. You can also visit in person with your CV and certificates.

2. Restaurants and Fast Food Chains

There are many restaurants, cafes, and eateries across Kenya that need trained catering staff. These include:

• Java House

• Artcaffe

• Big Square

• Local nyama choma joints and African restaurants

• Takeaway and delivery outlets

Most restaurants hire people with a craft certificate or diploma in catering. Job titles include kitchen assistant, line cook, waiter, or cashier with food handling skills.

3. Catering and Events Companies

Event catering is a booming business in Kenya. Catering companies provide food services for weddings, funerals, conferences, and birthdays.

Top catering companies in Kenya include:

• La Elegant Caterers

• Absolute Catering

• Karen Catering Services

• Top Serve Limited

You can work as part of the team or start as an intern. These jobs may be seasonal or part-time but often lead to permanent roles.

4. Schools, Colleges, and Hospitals

Many institutions in Kenya hire catering staff to manage kitchens and serve students or patients. These include:

• Boarding secondary schools

• TVET colleges and universities

• Public and private hospitals

• International schools and academies

These jobs often come with stable hours and benefits. Apply through boards like the Public Service Commission, county governments, or directly to the school or hospital.

5. Airlines and Train Services

Large transport companies employ catering staff for in-flight or in-train services. You may work as a food service assistant or onboard chef.

Employers include:

• Kenya Airways

• Jambojet

• Madaraka Express (SGR)

These positions require top hygiene standards and sometimes extra training, but they are well-paying and offer travel opportunities.

6. Corporate Offices and Institutions

Large companies with in-house cafeterias or executive dining services often employ caterers. These are usually located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

Positions include:

• Kitchen staff

• Cook or chef

• Wait staff for executive lounges

• Cleaning and food handling roles

Check job boards like BrighterMonday, MyJobMag, and corporate websites.

7. Starting Your Own Catering Business

If you have entrepreneurial spirit, you can start your own food business. Common ideas include:

• Home catering for parties and events

• Office lunch delivery services

• Baking and selling cakes or snacks

• Mobile food vending (food trucks or trolleys)

This is one of the fastest-growing areas, especially if you have good cooking skills and basic business knowledge. Social media, referrals, and excellent service are key to success.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job

After your course, it’s important to position yourself well in the job market. Here are a few tips:

1. Prepare a Good CV and Cover Letter

Include your catering course, skills, any internships or attachments, and languages spoken. Make it neat and professional.

2. Get a Food Handlers Certificate

This is required in most kitchens. You can get one from public health offices in your county after a medical check.

3. Gain Experience Through Internships

Even unpaid attachment gives you real-life experience and improves your CV. Always request a recommendation letter.

4. Be Open to Entry-Level Positions

Start small, grow big. A job as a kitchen assistant can lead to a cook or chef role with time.

5. Join Industry Groups or Online Forums

Platforms like LinkedIn, hospitality groups, or alumni networks can help you discover job openings faster.

Best Job Search Platforms in Kenya for Catering Graduates

Here are some trusted places to find catering jobs:

• BrighterMonday.co.ke – Filter by “hospitality and food service”

• MyJobMag.co.ke – Offers daily job updates

• Fuzu.com – Offers job alerts and career advice

• County government portals – Often advertise public service catering roles

• LinkedIn – For professional networking and job searches

You can also follow restaurants and hotels on Instagram and Facebook, as they often post job ads directly.

Conclusion

After completing a catering course in Kenya, there are many job opportunities waiting for you. From hotels and schools to private companies and events, the hospitality industry is large and growing.

The key is to stay active, apply often, gain experience, and be open to learning. Catering is a hands-on career, and the more you practice your skills, the better you become.

Practical Tip: Start by applying for internships or part-time roles in local eateries or catering companies. Use them to build experience and create a strong network in the hospitality industry.