Mike Macharia, BIHC Board Chair and CEO of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, during the BIHC 9th commencement ceremony. BIHC has partnered with BHMS in Lucerne, Switzerland, to enable students to earn Swiss-accredited dual qualifications and access internship and job opportunities in 47 countries across five continents./COURTERSY
Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) celebrated its 9th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, marking a decade of growth and the graduation of 200 students.
The Class of 2025, representing eight nations—Kenya, Uganda, Tunisia, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Liberia, and the Netherlands—received certificates and diplomas in fields ranging from Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management to Baking, Patisserie, and Barista Skills.
The ceremony was a highlight in BIHC’s ten‑year journey, which has seen the institution evolve from a bold idea into one of Africa’s leading hospitality training centres.
“What started as a vision has now become a movement. Today, BIHC stands as a globally connected, industry‑aligned institution that has earned a reputation for producing graduates who are not only technically proficient and globally competitive, but also proudly grounded in African excellence,” said BIHC Board Chair and Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers CEO, Mike Macharia.
The graduating class has already earned international accolades, including gold medals and sustainability awards, making Kenya proud on the global hospitality scene.
Students have secured jobs across Kenya, the UAE, Europe, and Asia, while others have launched their own ventures or gained admission to top global institutions.
At the WorldSkills Kenya contest, the class claimed double gold and will represent Kenya at the upcoming WorldSkills Africa competition.
They were also placed third at the EuroCHRIE University Challenge and secured the Gold Sustainability Award at the Young Chef Olympiad in India.
“These young professionals have not only excelled in academics but have gone on to prove their skills on global platforms. They are ambassadors for Kenya’s rising influence in global hospitality,” said Macharia.
“The possibilities before you are broader than ever, and your training has positioned you to thrive across this expansive, evolving landscape.”
Throughout the week, BIHC reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for long‑term growth in African hospitality.
The college has trained more than 6,000 students and upskilled more than 2,400 industry professionals since its founding. Its revenues have surged from Sh17.8 million in 2015 to over Sh3 billion in 2024, a 166-fold increase.
A partnership with Business and Hotel Management School (BHMS) in Switzerland allows BIHC students to graduate with Swiss-accredited dual qualifications, gaining access to global job opportunities.
The college operates within the Boma Hotel Complex, which includes a three- and five‑star hotel, providing students with practical, industry‑relevant training.
BIHC is also designated by Kenya’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) as a Centre of Excellence in Hospitality and Culinary Arts.
“Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we honor a powerful commitment to shaping the future of hospitality in Africa and beyond,” said Macharia.
“To the Class of 2025: go forth with passion, purpose, and a drive to redefine the African hospitality story. The world is waiting.”
With its strong focus on access and inclusion, BIHC has worked with partners like the African Unlimited initiative, the Swiss Secretariat for Migration, the KCB Foundation, and Switch Media to support 127 scholars, 643 youth, and 276 micro, small, and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on women and people with disabilities.
“As new international markets open and domestic tourism grows, BIHC remains committed to producing skilled, socially conscious graduates who will not only meet demand but set new standards for African hospitality on the global stage,” added Macharia.
