CTH Strengthens Ties with Kenya During Recent Visit

30th April 2025
CTH Business Development Manager Kobus Thiart pictured with the team at Movenpick Hotels and Resorts Nairobi. Kobus visited the team to present them with a CTH Gold Employer plaque.

Last month, CTH Business Development Manager Kobus Thiart travelled to Kenya to connect with key partners, engage with industry stakeholders and celebrate the strength and growth of CTH’s presence in East Africa.

With a focus on deepening relationships and recognising excellence, Kobus's visit highlighted Kenya’s rising status as a powerhouse in hospitality and tourism training. Throughout his trip, Kobus was inspired by the warmth, ambition and professionalism he encountered.

It’s become quite clear that Kenya is leading the hospitality industry with a kindness and comforting atmosphere. I would urge any student unsure about what career path to follow to consider tourism and hospitality — it’s in the Kenyans’ nature to excel at it.

A Warm Welcome at Cascade Institute of Hospitality

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Cascade Institute of Hospitality, a long-standing and highly valued CTH Approved Teaching Centre located in Nairobi. In a special address to new and prospective students, Kobus remarked:

It’s a pleasure being here. You might ask who is CTH? We are the Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality and we are the specialist qualifications awarding body for the hospitality, tourism and culinary sectors. Established in 1981, we now have over 170 approved teaching centres worldwide — and Cascade stands proudly among them as a CTH Gold Centre.

The Gold Centre status is a recognition of excellence, awarded only to institutions that consistently demonstrate high standards in preparing students for success in the global hospitality industry. Kobus praised Cascade’s dedication to developing learners into capable professionals ready to thrive on the international stage.

They have shown time and time again that they guide students to the utmost of their ability to ensure success in life and career.

During the visit, Kobus also had the opportunity to attend the grand unveiling of Cascade's new barista training lab. The lab will be used to deliver the CTH Level 2 Award in Barista Skills to aspiring students with a dream to enter the world of coffee making.

To round off his visit to Cascade, Kobus was able to engage with alumni who are now flourishing within Kenya’s vibrant hospitality sector — a testament to the real-world impact of CTH qualifications.

Gold Employer Recognition for Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi

Another key moment of the trip was officially welcoming Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi as a CTH Gold Employer. In a special presentation on 24th March, Kobus awarded the Gold Employers Plaque to the Mövenpick team, acknowledging their role in mentoring and supporting top trainees from Cascade’s CTH programmes.

This programme bridges the gap between international hotel groups and learners who have completed their CTH qualifications. We are thrilled to welcome Mövenpick as a Gold Employer and to see the continued investment in talent across Kenya and the wider region.

CTH’s Gold Employers initiative aims to build strong links between education and employment, ensuring students have access to premium opportunities with industry leaders across the globe.

Looking Ahead

CTH is proud to support institutions and employers in Kenya who are shaping the future of global hospitality. The visit reaffirmed our belief in the transformative power of quality education and strong partnerships.

To all at Cascade Institute of Hospitality and Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Nairobi — thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for welcoming CTH so warmly. We look forward to the next chapter in our journey together.

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