Kibondeni started in 1961 as a training unit for women attached to Strathmore College of Arts & Science. The girls learned on the job, with qualified staff, while catering for the next-door institution.

It was a unique idea, as in pre-Independence Kenya catering jobs were held by men. There were few opportunities for women to get education and employment. The Kianda Foundation staff saw the possibilities that could open up for women in the hospitality field, one that comes naturally to women, and so started the training for the first six girls (primary school leavers) who applied; these were eventually followed by many others.

In 1967 the school was officially registered as Kibondeni  School of Catering, with 36 girls training for the profession.

In 1972 the school was raised to the level of Institutional Management, reflecting the diversity of the courses and variety of jobs for which the students were prepared. In 1974 Kibondeni, the first school of its kind, had its syllabus approved and adopted by the Ministry of Education for other schools. From then on Kibondeni was authorized to issue its own certificates.

In 1977 Kibondeni students were able to sit external examinations set by the Kenya Institute of Education, after their two year course. In 1985 the course was split, leading to separate Certificates: Certificate in Food & Beverage and a Certificate in Production, Service & Sales. Kibondeni students chose one of the two options.

Until 1992 all the students boarded in one of the two  training units available at that time for the practical training. Then a new building, funded by the European Union made it possible to admit day scholars for a dressmaking and tailoring course.

In 1994 the Artisan course was introduced for day students, based mainly on food production, thus widening the scope of the learning skills available to them.

Diploma in Catering & Accommodation Management

In 1998 the school became Kibondeni College and, in response to the needs of the market, introduced a Diploma in Catering & Accommodation Management. This 3-year course  includes cookery, housekeeping, laundry, front office and stores management. It prepares the students for  highly competitive positions in the hospitality industry.

The College is indebted to the generous donors who made possible the new premises which now provide first class conditions for the running of the various courses, as well as bursaries for the students. Among these special mention is due to the F.I.S.C (Fundacion, Innovacion Social de la Cultura) who helped with funds from the Basque Government (Spain) and A.C.T.E.C. (Association for Cultural, Technical and Educational Cooperation) with funds from the Belgian Government. The French Government helped through the I.E.C.D (Institut Europeen de Cooperation et de Developpement), by providing the equipment and furniture for the new premises.  

Early Students during a

practical session

Some of the early students

and staff

Students during an

 examination session