Graduates from the Department of Hospitality and Human Ecology (DHHE) at the Technical University of Kenya showcased an ingenious tourism solution during the Kenya Tourism, Wildlife and MICE Jamhuri Thematic Week that was held from 8th to 12th of this month at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
While at the University, the graduates developed an online solution that seeks to bridge a gap in Kenya’s lucrative tourism industry. The platform enables tourists from around the globe to access tour guides and make bookings in real-time. The solution is called BTHERE, an application that can be downloaded on both smartphone and computer. It offers a variety of language options for its users and attractive tourism products available in Kenya. This is a testament that TUK prepares graduates for the real world.
The team of four includes Mr. Moses Ekitala, Mr. Josiah Nduati, Mr. Kelvin Gakere who graduated in November with Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Travel Management, and Ms. Sonia Njogu with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
The BTHERE innovation secured a slot in a global tourism competition after excelling at the East African ‘Future Leaders Challenge’ that was held at Strathmore University from 28th to 29th April 2025. The team is now set to represent TUK and Kenya by extension early next year at the global ‘Future Leaders Challenge’ in Dubai. This milestone elevates TUK to an international platform.
Members of staff and over 50 students from the Department also participated in various sessions and workshop forums during the Tourism Week. The event culminated in a roundtable discussion with the President, Dr. William Ruto, and stakeholders across sectors of tourism and MICE . The Tourism Week was organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in collaboration with other tourism parastatals such as KWS, KTB, Utalii College Kenya Tourism fund among others.
The series of activities were curated to mark this year’s Jamhuri Day celebration. Mrs. Beatrice Makawiti from the Department of Hospitality and Human Ecology moderated one of the sessions; ‘Capacity Building Research and Innovation in Tourism Wildlife and MICE’, while Dr. Winnie Tubey taught a Master Class on Artificial Intelligence in Tourism Marketing.
Other members of staff who attended the Tourism Week included: Prof. Richard Mackopondo, Dr. Elizabeth Kamunzyu, Dr. Jane Kathurima, Mrs. Josephine Ogembo and Mr. Paul Olola
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