INTRODUCTION
The PhD in Hospitality Management is designed to address the growing demand for professionalism and specialization in the hospitality industry, contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the global economy. Its primary aim is to cultivate a deeper understanding of the hospitality sector through rigorous research and a commitment to service to humanity. Additionally, the programme seeks to provide forward-looking strategies for integrating sustainability practices and theories into industry operations. It aspires to equip learners with strategic thinking skills necessary for the sustainable planning and management of hospitality systems, grounded in evidence-based research approaches.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The programme aims at:
1. Enhance candidates’ research skills to conduct rigorous academic and scientific research that
contributes new knowledge.
2. Address academic, scientific, and policy gaps in the hospitality industry, particularly within
Africa and beyond.
3. Prepare candidates for university-level roles, including teaching, research, and supervision of
postgraduate students.
4. Develop theories, methodologies, and knowledge to tackle fundamental challenges in the
hospitality sector.
5. Evaluate global and regional trends in hospitality innovation and entrepreneurship through
research.
RATIONALE OF THE PROGRAMME
The hospitality industry faces both challenges and opportunities for global and regional growth, requiring continuous policy and strategy adjustments. The programme aims to enhance academic development, scholarship, and research in hospitality as a critical field of study and socio-economic activity. In Kenya, hospitality significantly contributes to the economy, accounting for around 8鈥�9% of GDP and over 10% of employment. Growth is driven by factors like increased hotel occupancy, international arrivals, and conferences. Rising individual incomes and a growing middle class are further boosting domestic travel and hospitality demand.
This programme is thus aligned with the National Tourism Blueprint 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the need for sustainable growth, innovation, and the advancement of hospitality education to meet the evolving demands of the industry. It recognizes hospitality as a major driver of socio-economic development, requiring enhanced academic, research, and policy efforts to support its future growth.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This progrmamme is suitable for both local and international candidates. To be admitted into the programme, candidates must have met the following requirements:
(i) Be a holder of Master鈥檚 Degree of 吃瓜头条 in any of the following
disciplines: Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Business Management, Family
and Consumer Sciences and Humanities of allied disciplines or;
(ii) Be a holder of a Master鈥檚 degree of any other University recognized by Senate as equivalent
to status of the qualifications in (i) above, or;
(iii) Be a holder of other qualifications considered by senate as equivalent to Master鈥檚 degree in
the disciplines outlined in (i) above.
MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme is offered by face-to-face, and blended mode of delivery
DURATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME
The duration and structure of the programme will be for regular students. The programme comprises two (3) academic years equivalent to 1,794 contact hours and 138 credit hours. The PhD courses are designed based on various core [7 Units] and specialization courses [2 Units] and Thesis as outlined below.-
Table: Programme Structure Summary
Year Course Category Number of Units Credit Hours Lecturer Hours Mode of Delivery
Year 1 Core Course Units 7 21 273 Face to Face / Blended
Year 1 Elective Course Units 2 6 78 Face to Face / Blended
Year 2 Thesis Unit 1 55 715 Face to Face / Blended
Year 3 Thesis Unit 鈥� 56 728 Face to Face / Blended
Total 鈥� 10 138 1794 鈥�
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
1. To graduate with a PhD in Hospitality Management, a candidate will be required to pursue
the PhD programme in Hospitality Management by 鈥淐oursework, Examination and Thesis鈥�.
2. A candidate shall complete ten (10) units offered in the program including a thesis and attain
the pass mark of 50% and above in all the course work units. The candidate will also be
required to successfully complete a thesis and publish at least one (2) manuscript in a referred
journal.
3. The following requirements are important for the PhD. candidates to note:
4. A PhD candidate who shall have successfully completed and passed the required coursework
and examinations, shall be eligible to start the process of proposal development towards PhD
research;
5. No candidate admitted for a PhD Degree shall be registered as a full-time candidate for more
than four (4) years or part time for more than six (6) years.
6. A candidate shall regularly consult with their supervisors at least once per month, and fill-in a
supervision tracking tool after each supervision meeting. A copy of the Supervision Tracking
Tool will be submitted to the Graduate School at the end of every semester through their
supervisors.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A PhD in Hospitality Management can open a wide range of high-level academic, research, consulting,
leadership, and entrepreneurial opportunities, both locally and internationally. The following are some
of the career prospects:
1. University Lecturer 鈥� Teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in hospitality,
tourism, and business programs.
2. Researcher 鈥� Conducting advanced research in hospitality trends, sustainability, innovation,
consumer behavior, or tourism development.
3. Hospitality Consultant 鈥� Advising hotels, resorts, tourism boards, or governments on
strategic development, management practices, or sustainability initiatives.
4. Corporate Trainer 鈥� Designing and delivering executive education and training for hospitality
professionals and organizations.
5. Hospitality Executive 鈥� Holding senior management roles (e.g., Director of Operations,
Chief Innovation Officer) in hotel chains, tourism companies, or resort groups.
6. Entrepreneur 鈥� Starting or leading ventures in hotels, restaurants, event management, travel
technology, or sustainable tourism businesses.
7. Policy Advisor 鈥� Working with government ministries or tourism boards to develop policies
for hospitality and tourism growth, regulation, and sustainability.
8. International Organization Specialist 鈥� Working with bodies like the UNWTO (United
Nations World Tourism Organization) or WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) on
global projects.
9. Sustainability and Innovation Specialist 鈥� Focusing on green practices, sustainable tourism
development, and innovative service models.
10. Market Research Analyst 鈥� Conducting specialized market research in hospitality and tourism
trends.
TUITION AND FEE STRUCTURE
Full Time; Fees ksh.275,400= Non East Africans ksh.344,250 p.a
WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAMME AT KENYATTA UNIVERSITY?
1. Academic Excellence: 吃瓜头条 is a leading institution in East Africa, renowned
for its hospitality, tourism, and business education.
2. Strategic Location: Situated along Thika Road, 10 minutes鈥� drive from Nairobi, KU offers
access to a dynamic industry hub, with strong links to top hospitality and tourism
organizations.
3. Global Research Opportunities: With a focus on sustainable practices, the programme equips
students to tackle global hospitality challenges using cutting-edge research.
4. Experienced Faculty: Learn from top-tier academics and industry experts committed to
fostering innovation and leadership in hospitality.
5. Impactful Industry Linkages: KU provides unmatched opportunities for real-world
engagement