Dreamed of becoming a professional chef, running a successful catering business, or baking world-class pastries, your culinary journey starts with the right training. At Bridge College Kenya, we offer hands-on, industry-recognized programs in Food and Beverage, Catering, Pastry & Bakery, and Food Production designed to equip students with practical skills for immediate employment or entrepreneurship.
Overview of Culinary Education in Kenya
Kenya’s hospitality industry is booming. With increased demand for trained chefs, bakers, and foodservice professionals in hotels, restaurants, airlines, and events, culinary skills have never been more valuable. These careers are not only rewarding but also flexible, allowing graduates to work locally or internationally—or even run their own businesses.
Courses Offered at Bridge College Kenya
Whether you’re a high school leaver or a working professional seeking a career shift, we offer various levels of culinary education:
| Course Name | Entry Grade | Duration | Exam Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artisan in Food & Beverage | KCSE D- & Below | 3 Terms | KNEC |
| Certificate in Food & Beverage | KCSE D or Artisan Pass | 4 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Food & Beverage | KCSE C- or Certificate Pass | 6 Terms | KNEC |
| Certificate in Catering & Accommodation | KCSE D | 6 Terms | KNEC |
| Diploma in Catering & Accommodation | KCSE C- or Certificate Pass | 8 Terms | KNEC |
| International Diploma in Hospitality | KCSE D+ | 6 Terms | ICM |
| Pastry & Bakery (Cake Making, Bread Making) | Open Entry | 1-2 Months | BCEB |
| Diploma in Culinary Theory | KCSE D+ | 2 Terms | ICM |
Food & Beverage Production and Service Courses
These courses focus on preparing students for roles in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.
Skills You Will Learn:
Menu planning and food preparation
Customer service techniques
Beverage management and service etiquette
Career Paths:
Restaurant supervisor
Bartender
Waitstaff
Event caterer
Catering & Accommodation Operations Courses
Catering is more than just food—it’s about logistics, service, and guest experience.
Learning Outcomes:
Food service planning for large events
Hospitality hygiene and safety
Guest relations and accommodation protocols
These programs suit students who wish to work in hotels, lodges, or cruise lines, or run their own catering business.
Pastry, Bakery, and Cake Decoration Courses
Turn your passion for sweets into a lucrative profession.
What You’ll Master:
Bread-making techniques
Pastry doughs and fillings
Cake decoration using icing, fondant, and themes
Advanced baking and cake business management
Courses include:
Basic Cake Making & Decoration
Advanced Cake Making
Bread & Pastries Production
Food Production (Culinary Theory)
Our Diploma in Food Production (Culinary Theory) provides students with in-depth kitchen experience.
Core Competencies:
Food cost control
Portioning and plating
International cuisines
Nutrition and diet planning
Entry Requirements and Course Duration
Most programs require a minimum of:
KCSE D- (Minus) for Artisan level
KCSE D or D+ for Certificate and Diploma levels
Open Entry for short courses in cake making and pastries
Course durations range from 1 month (short courses) to 2 years (Diploma programs).
Certification Bodies Explained
KNEC – National certification recognized across Kenya
ICM (UK) – Internationally accepted credentials for hospitality professionals
BCEB – Ideal for short, skill-based training
Why Choose Bridge College Kenya for Culinary Training?
Modern kitchens and tools for hands-on learning
Experienced instructors with industry knowledge
Field attachment and industrial placement
Small class sizes for personalized attention
Job Opportunities After Graduation
Your culinary qualification opens doors to:
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Hotels & Resorts | Sous Chef, Baker, Waitstaff |
| Catering Services | Events Caterer, Food Service Planner |
| Bakeries & Cafés | Pastry Chef, Cake Decorator |
| Self-employment | Bakery Owner, Private Chef |
Entrepreneurship in the Culinary Industry
Many Bridge College graduates have launched successful catering businesses, bakeries, and home-based cake enterprises. Our curriculum includes modules on:
Business planning
Marketing your culinary brand
Budgeting and cost control
Bridge College Kenya Alumni Success Stories
“I started with a one-month cake decorating course. Today, I run a bakery that serves custom cakes for weddings and corporate events.” — Faith N., 2021 Graduate
“Thanks to my Diploma in Food Production, I now work as a chef in a top Nairobi hotel.” — James K., 2022 Graduate
How to Apply
Choose your course
Submit application online or visit our Nairobi campus
Attach copies of your academic certificates
Receive your admission letter and payment plan
FAQs About Culinary Programs at Bridge College Kenya
Q1: Do I need prior cooking experience?
No, all programs start from the basics.
Q2: Can I start a business after the course?
Yes, entrepreneurship training is part of our curriculum.
Q3: Are the certificates recognized?
Yes, by KNEC, ICM, and BCEB—national and international accreditation.
Q4: Is there hands-on training?
Absolutely! Practical sessions make up 70% of our programs.
Q5: How soon can I get a job after training?
Many students secure jobs during or immediately after their attachments.
Q6: What’s the age limit for joining?
There’s no age restriction. Anyone passionate about cooking can join.
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