Ronald Ngala Utalii College in Vipingo, Kilifi County, opened its doors last month, admitting an inaugural cohort of 300 students for tourism, hospitality and maritime training.

The institution is positioned as a specialised hub for skills needed in Kenya's blue economy and the global labour market, offering programmes in hospitality, housekeeping, front office and culinary arts.

Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok unveiled an ultra‑modern kitchen that can serve up to 3,000 diners and will be used as a practical training space for culinary students.

Bitok highlighted the kitchen’s design for clean cooking, safety and environmental sustainability, noting that these standards are integral to the college’s learning environment.

The college is in discussions with the Maritime Shipping Company (MSC) to support maritime and seafaring training, reinforcing its strategic role in the blue economy.

When fully operational, the campus aims to accommodate up to 4,000 trainees, expanding capacity to meet growing demand for skilled workers in tourism, hospitality and maritime sectors.

President William Ruto is expected to officially open the college later this year, concluding a construction period that began 13 years ago.