Getting ‘Entangled’: A Focus on the Hotel and Hospitality Curriculum Implementation in Public Universities in Kenya

Abstract

Universities play a critical role in achieving Kenya Vision 2030 and the sustainable development goals. The demand for university education in Kenya has significantly increased and continues to swell. Many secondary school graduates and the working class look for opportunities to pursue university education, yet the process of curriculum implementation in these institutions of higher learning remains problematic. Employers in the hospitality industry have called on universities to produce graduates who are work ready. This cannot be achieved if these challenges are not addressed. This study explored the ‘entanglements’ inhibiting effective implementation of the hotel and hospitality curriculum in public Universities and their effects on the provision of inclusive and equitable quality education in Kenya. It highlights the issues of lack of physical teaching and learning facilities, under staffing and low staff morale, lack of financial resources, poor economic growth, lack of proper social amenities and infrastructure and lack of teaching aid. For each of the limitations, probable solutions have been advanced.In the circumstances that public universities are experiencing shortage in learning and teaching physical facilities, with higher student enrolment. My view is that it will lead to further deterioration of quality teaching and learning services offered in these universities. Attempt to meet the objectives of university education will turn into a mirage and exercise in futility. It will be mass production of university graduates who have certificates without matching academic, technical and psychological competence.

Keywords: curriculum, education, implementation, quality.