This study examines the quality of skills in the tour operations sector of the tourism
industry in Kenya. This quality assessment is carried out within the broad context of
tourism in Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa and is based on an assumption of sectoral
differences in tourism training and education. The study employs different methods of
data collection and analysis. A n employee survey, a Delphi type study and semistructured
interviews are used to determine where the quality gaps exist, the preferred
mode of provision, while at the same time examining the relevance of identified key
international tourism training and education trends to Kenya's tourism systems.
The results indicate a convergence of opinion between industry and the education
providers to the effect that there are quality gaps in the development of skills in the
tour operations sector. The study also identifies the need to standardise tourism
training and education in Kenya. A national tourism training and education strategy is
recommended. Government policy-makers, education providers and the tourism
industry will find the results of the study useful.