Hotel, restaurant workers to pay for practicing license in new bill

KENYA – Hotel, restaurant, lodge, and bar workers will be required to pay a fee to get a practicing license if the Hospitality Professional Bill 2024 is enacted into law.

 The Hospitality Professional Bill 2024, currently before the Senate, will impose jail terms and a hefty fine on workers who fail to comply.

The bill is intended to regulate the hospitality sector, which is overseen by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and is considered an extension of the tourism industry.

The legislation also aims to address other key issues such as training and education, the establishment of a professional regulatory body, the enforcement of industry standards, and enhanced consumer protection.

The proposed legislation was sponsored by Matuga Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Kassim Tandaza.

In a publicized meeting on October 1, the Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Kareke Mbiuki, held a meeting with the MP to deliberate on the proposed bill and its potential impact on the hospitality sector.

Kareke Mbiuki welcomed the proposed legislation by saying, “This bill will professionalize the hospitality sector, ensuring that standards are maintained, ultimately raising the status of Kenya’s hospitality industry on the international stage.”

The MP also praised the proposed legislation, especially its focus on education and skill requirements, which he reiterated will improve the quality of services offered in the hospitality sector.

He also reiterated it provides a strategic framework for potential entrants into the sector to gradually improve their skills and qualifications, which should provide more opportunities to the youth seeking employment and career progression.

According to the MP, the bill will provide much-needed structures for capacity building in the sector.

Kassim Tandaza, said, “Unlike other professions where the minimum qualification is a university degree, the hospitality industry will set the bar at a diploma. Those holding certificates will be given a five-year grace period to upgrade their qualifications.”

The MP also revealed the proposed bill also seeks to address specialized expertise in the sector, industry representation, promotion of industry growth and competitiveness, compliance and enforcement mechanisms, and the creation of a professional regulatory framework.

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