By Kurian Musa                                                               

Four Egerton University students have gained regional exposure to emerging trends in tourism and hospitality after representing the institution at the Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) Eastern Africa Edition, held at Strathmore University, Nairobi, from October 25 to 27, 2026.

The fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism and Hospitality Management (BSc ECOT) students joined participants from 30 institutions across 12 countries in a regional initiative designed to strengthen workforce readiness, leadership and innovation in the tourism and hospitality industries.

The Egerton University team comprised Elizabeth Mwikali Daniel, Salimu Akiba Ropia, Terian Ndanu Mwenga and Hamisi Alfan Mwavumo.

The challenge, held under the patronage of Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, brought together students, educators, industry executives and policymakers to examine emerging workforce needs and opportunities in the sector.

Future Leaders in Ecotourism and Hospitality: Egerton University’s BSc ECOT students and faculty leadership gather at the Future Leaders Challenge (FLC) Eastern Africa Edition 2026 at Strathmore University, Nairobi.

Participating countries included Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Seychelles and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Egerton University's Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Muthaa, joined the delegation in Nairobi, demonstrating the University's management support for experiential learning, industry engagement and regional academic collaboration.

The students participated in workforce development sessions, professional networking and skills showcases, interacting with hospitality investors, funding partners and industry leaders.

Their participation was supported by lecturers from the Department of Natural Resources, led by Mr. Barnabas Rotich, alongside Dr. Margaret Githiri, Dr. Lynette Onyando, Mr. Ezekiel Cheboi, Mr. Jackson Ndirangu and Mr. Alfayo Koskey.

Dr. Maurice Ogoma, Chair of the Department of Natural Resources, coordinated the University's internal preparations, including student training schedules and logistical arrangements.

The Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resources Development (FERD), Dr. Bernard Kirui, provided institutional oversight and support throughout the preparation process.

The Future Leaders Challenge provides a platform for connecting academic training with industry expectations, particularly as the tourism sector seeks professionals equipped to respond to sustainability, technological and changing labour-market demands.

At Egerton University, the BSc ECOT programme, offered under the Department of Natural Resources in FERD, integrates natural resource conservation, hospitality management, sustainable tourism and community engagement.

The Nairobi engagement provided students with opportunities to benchmark their skills against regional peers, establish professional networks and gain insights into career pathways across Eastern Africa's tourism and hospitality industry.

Their participation also strengthened Egerton University's visibility in regional conversations on sustainable tourism education and graduate employability.