Our Story 

In pursuit of its mission to educate and empower women and girls, Kianda Foundation began a small but life-changing initiative between 1987 and 1989 in the tea-picking communities of Limuru and its environs, areas marked by extreme poverty and limited access to opportunity. A small group of women was trained in basic cookery and essential life skills, opening doors to dignity, independence, and hope.

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The impact was immediate and profound. As the women’s lives transformed, they made a heartfelt request: that their daughters, too, be given the same chance to learn, grow, and build a better future. From this powerful desire for generational change, Kimlea Girls Technical Training Centre was born.

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In 1992, Kimlea opened its doors in a modest building. Over time, a clear pattern emerged. Women trained in catering were finding employment faster and securing more stable incomes. This insight became a turning point in Kimlea’s journey. With renewed clarity and commitment, Kianda Foundation made a strategic decision to focus on catering and hospitality as a strong pathway to economic empowerment.

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Through the generous support of donors and partners, Kimlea has grown from a humble training centre into a fully accredited hospitality training institution, renowned for excellence in culinary arts, food and beverage service, housekeeping, and hospitality management.

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Thousands of women have walked through Kimlea’s doors, each leaving with more than professional qualifications. They carry confidence, dignity, resilience, and the power to transform their families and communities. Their stories are a testament to what becomes possible when education meets purpose.

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Today, Kimlea Girls Technical Training Centre stands as a beacon of empowerment in Kenya’s hospitality education sector. Rooted in community, driven by impact, and inspired by the strength of women, Kimlea continues to shape careers, uplift families, and transform generations through quality hospitality training.