Mount Kenya University Kigali has launched a new hospitality facility expected to boost the development of hospitality training in the country.

The facility worth Rwf300 million was inaugurated last Friday, mainly to serve students of hospitality and tourism.

The fully furnished facility with all kitchen and hotel equipment was constructed in Kicukiro District.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Evans Kerosi, Vice-chancellor of Mount Kenya University-Rwanda, said the new facility will serve the institution and the country by providing well skilled graduates.

"We train students bearing in mind the requirements of the industry to ensure that our graduates are effective in the labor market. The beneficiaries will have time to conduct practical works to increase their knowledge to be more productive,” Kerosi said.

For 2017/2018 academic year a total of 85 students pursuing hospitality studies at the university will benefit from the facility.

According to Benson Abuto, a lecturer, the facility will increase hands-on skills of the students.

"The facility has all necessary equipment in hotels; no student will miss hands-on-skills. This will improve their performance once on the labor market. We are preparing graduates who will impact the hospitality industry. The University has invested heavily in delivering theories and practical skills,”Abuto said.

Students speak

Flaura Kabarungi, a third year student in Business and Hospitality Management said she was hopeful to deliver good service upon graduation.

I am happy because we will have all equipment for practical skills which we sometimes lacked, Karungi added.

The inauguration was witnessed by Kenyan Ambassador to Rwanda, John Mwangemi, regional lawmaker Pierre Celestin Rwigema and Dr Simon Gichari, head of Mount Kenya University Board, among others.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw