Best Culinary Arts Schools and Courses in Kenya

There are a lot of Best Culinary Arts Schools and Courses in Kenya to choose from to fulfill your dreams and career goals. Whether you are just realizing your cooking dream or experienced and you want to expand your skills, these schools are just right for you.

In this article, you will be introduced to the Best Culinary Arts Schools and Courses in Kenya where you can acquire the best culinary training and fulfill your dreams. These institutions offer a range of programs and courses, from short-term courses to full-time degree programs.

Culinary Arts Schools and Courses

With the correct trainers and instructors, you are sure of achieving your set goals. As much as you may be talented in this art, you still need to acquire skills such as cleanliness, organization, business acumen, and many others which will work to ensure that you are successful in the food industry. These courses in Culinary Arts will help you to achieve such skills and put them to practice.

The below list contains details of Culinary Arts Schools in the country and the various courses they offer. So read on to see the best culinary schools

1. Top Chefs Culinary Institute

Top Chefs is an institute that takes pride in producing highly-trained individuals who continue to do well in the hospitality industry, not only in Kenya but also in other countries.

The institute has grown to become a top choice for culinary education, offering a range of programs and courses designed to prepare students for success in the fast-paced and competitive world of the culinary industry. Top Chefs Culinary Institute is the perfect place to begin your journey toward culinary excellence.

Courses offered

  • Chefs Diploma – The students are expected to undergo an entry test in English, adaptability, Mathematics, and general knowledge. The Chefs Diploma course takes two years, with two six-month periods of internship.
  • Pastry and Bakery Diploma: The course teaches its students to use their imagination and determination to advance their careers in the field. The course requirements are the same as that for the Chefs Diploma, alongside an additional interview which the prospective student will have to undertake.

2. Boma International Hospitality College

Boma International Hospitality College, in conjunction with Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS), is well known for its prowess in training in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The college’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a practical, hands-on approach to learning, ensuring they are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and ever-changing hospitality industry. BIHC is committed to delivering quality education that prepares students for successful careers in the hospitality industry.

The college, which is owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society, prides itself in offering internship opportunities at high-class hotels such as Boma Hotel, Dussit D2, Serena, Kempinski, and Raddison Blu; training in a 5-star hotel environment, as well as lucrative externships. Boma College has three intakes, in January, May, and September.

Course offered

  • Diploma In Culinary Arts: The course takes two years to complete, and it is beneficial to those students who wish to become chefs or those who are more inclined towards food and beverage management. The minimum entry requirements for the course is a C plain in the Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education(KCSE) exams or 3 passes in IGCSE.
  • Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations – A one year program that is divided into three terms.
  • Short courses: Certificate in International Cookery, Certificate in Pastry and Bakery; Certificate in Food & Beverage Service Techniques.

3. Kibondeni College

Kibondeni College is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and practical education to its students, with a focus on developing their skills and knowledge in the hospitality industry. The college offers a range of courses in various fields, including culinary arts, hospitality management, pastry and bakery, and housekeeping.

With a training facility and a team of experienced and qualified instructors, Kibondeni College has earned a reputation as one of the best hospitality training institutions in the region.

Courses offered: They include:

  • Diploma in Catering & accommodation Management (Modular – KNEC)
  • Craft Certificate in Catering & Accommodation Operation (Modular – KNEC)
  • Artisan Certificate in Food & Beverage Production and Service (KNEC)

4. International Hotel and Tourism Institute

The International Hotel and Tourism Institute’s core values are quality, integrity, professionalism, teamwork, and accountability. It began accepting students in May 2015.

The training center offers BTEC-accredited programs that provide students with an advantage in the cutthroat hospitality sector. The institute has three intakes: in January, May, and September.

Course offered
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Culinary Arts – This is a two-year program that enables students to learn in a classroom environment as well as practice their skills in a professionally-equipped kitchen.

5. Frontlearn Institute

The Frontlearn Institute provides a large selection of courses in numerous subjects. The programs offered by the institute are made to cater to the needs of both individuals and businesses, giving students the abilities and information required to be successful in the careers they have chosen.

Frontlearn Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced and qualified instructors who are committed to providing personalized and engaging learning experiences to their students.

Courses offered: They include:

  • Diploma in culinary arts
  • Certificate in culinary arts

6. Kenya Utalii College

Utalii College is probably the most popular in the hotel and tourism industry in Kenya. The institution offers a wide range of programs that cater to the needs of different students, from certificate courses to diploma and degree programs.

The college prides itself on its highly experienced and qualified. With a mission to produce globally competitive graduates, the college has established partnerships with top hospitality and tourism institutions from around the world.

Culinary Arts in Utalli College is especially desired by many students due to the college’s successful history.

Courses offered Among the Culinary Arts-related courses offered at Utalii include:

  • Certificate in Food and Beverage Service and Sales – takes one and a half years Certificate in Food
  • Production Apprenticeship – two years Certificate in Food Production – one and a half years

7. Impact Chefs and Hospitality Institute

With a focus on innovation, creativity, and sustainability, Impact Chefs and Hospitality Institute has become a leading institution in the region for culinary and hospitality education.

The institute offers a range of courses and programs, including professional culinary arts, pastry and bakery, food and beverage service, and hospitality management. 

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and hands-on education, combining practical experience with theoretical knowledge.

Courses offered: They include:

  • Diploma in Food Production Certificate in food production
  • Certificate in Pastry & Bakery
  • Certificate in Food & Beverage
  • HACCP & Food Safety Course Food Safety Level 1 & 2 Course
  • Basic Cookery

8. Air Travel and Related Studies Centre

The institution offers courses in hospitality, tourism, international languages, travel, cabin crew, and airport operations. Its students enjoy guaranteed attachment opportunities, full board accommodation, and visits to five-star hotels.

Courses offered

  • International Pastry and Bakery Production – The course takes one year International Food Production – two years International Food and Beverage Service- one year

What are the job opportunities in Culinary Arts?

After undertaking a course in this field, many job opportunities become available to the student. They include being a:

  • Chef – Saucier, vegetable, fry, roast, fish, or grill chef
  • Culinary Arts instructor
  • Caterer
  • Restaurant cook
  • Food production manager
  • Executive chef
  • Nutrition service manager
  • Food and beverage manager
  • Food service manager
  • Assistant food service manager
  • Kitchen manager
  • Catering sales manager
  • Director of food and beverages
  • Director of catering
  • Food service director
  • Culinary manager
  • Restaurant general manager
  • Food service supervisor
  • Chef instructor
  • Dietary manager
  • Director of food and nutritional services
  • Pastry chef

How many years is the Culinary Arts course?

The duration of your course depends on your school and of course, your schedule (whether you are a part-time or full-time learner). However, on average, a certificate or diploma course will take nine to twelve months.

An Associate degree takes two years, a Bachelors degree takes four years, and an internship will take three to six months.