Kenyan students have been urged to take up barista and mixologist short courses due to high demand in the country and abroad.
During a maiden graduation at Worthstart Barista and Mixologist Institute in Nairobi, it was revealed that half of the graduates had already secured lucrative jobs earning Ksh300,000.
The course normally takes one month to complete and students are thereafter, employed in five-star hotels and cruise ships.
Students are trained on how to make coffee and different types of cocktails.
While the course is popular in South Africa and other countries in the world, it is still a fairly new concept in Kenya.
Stakeholders in the coffee sector are now urging the government to give more support to the training of baristas and mixologists.
According to the stakeholders, this can be achieved as a new venture through a government-private partnership.
With more investment from the government, it is believed that Kenya will be able to meet the global demand for experienced baristas and mixologists.
“Give us more support for this industry that we are trying to bring up. Support our Kenyans go outside the country,” the institution stated.
Graduands showed their appreciation for the course noting that they had tarmacked for years looking for a job before deciding to take the short course.
“Within two years I expect to have become a trainer for students who are willing to pursue this career path,” one of the students who had already secured a job opportunity stated.
His colleague who will also be working outside the country exuded optimism that she will land a managerial role within five years.
