The department was created in 2004 to cater for the ever increasing manpower demand in the hospitality industry with two courses namely Diploma in Catering and Accommodation and Certificate in Food and Beverage. The department has grown not only in the number of graduands three students who graduated in 2006 to 78 students who graduated in 2015 but has also expanded in its scope beyond hospitality into the field of nutrition and dietetics thus warranting the change of name to the department of Hospitality Nutrition and Dietetics.
The department is already licensed to offer these courses by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dietetics Institute. Our students have continued to participate and excel in TVET fairs both at regional and National levels. In May 2016, their flavoured goat cheese innovation and exhibit won a National award. Staff and students are also encouraged to engage in research and in 2016 IFAH Conference, research findings were presented in a conference paper entitled “ The use of root vegetables in improving the caloric value among age group 18- 25 years: A study of Eldoret National Polytechnic”.
The available training facilities in the department include two kitchens, two restaurants, a computer laboratory and one skills laboratory for Nutrition and Dietetics. These workshops and laboratories are neither complete nor fully equipped. This poses a challenge during practical lessons. It is for this reason that the department is in the process of seeking collaboration with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital so as to enhance training particularly in the area of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Eldoret National Polytechnic has put in place management tools such as ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management system, Performance contracting a strategic plan and a budget and procurement plan in order to enhance effciency and effectiveness in management .The department adheres to these management tools so as to contribute towards providing quality training that exceeds the expectations of students. In conclusion, I congratulate all our graduands and wish them well in their future endeavors. God bless you all.
