Peter Gakuo, 24- Hospitality

‘‘I am Peter Gakuo, 24 years of age I was born and brought up in Lamu County in the Coastal region of Kenya. I am from a humble background and faced challenges when growing up. After completing my high school education and following a couple of unforeseen circumstances, I was not in a position to join any college to fulfill my dream which was to become a professional Chef. I was left with no option and therefore resorted to looking for some casual jobs for sustainability which were hardly available. Limited job opportunities and lack of a source of income opened my eyes to seek any available opportunities and it was at this time that I got information about sponsored Skills Training at Lamu VTC and I chose to join and take a Hospitality course. After my training and through the support of my tutors I was able to secure an internship opportunity at Amboseli National Park, who eventually absorbed me as an employee. I benefited a lot from these acquired skills and I am now taking care of my family members through the salary I earn every month. My sincere thanks to the GIZ-KOICA donors for making my dream come to reality, I will use my great knowledge and skills to impact the lives of my family and community at large. Finally, through Entrepreneurial skills acquired, I wish to start a business in the future and to be able to empower and employ others”. 

Peter Gakuo is currently employed at Kibo Safari Camp in Amboseli National Reserve, which is a high-end hotel with a splendid view of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The park provides the classic Hollywood image of Africa. Set in rolling savannah scenery the park is dwarfed by the presence of the pink-tinged, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. Peter Gakuo who studied hospitality at Lamu Vocational Training Center under the KOICA-GIZ co-funded project is employed as a chef at the camp. 

Kibo has continued to work with CAPYEI providing internships and placements to our beneficiaries. We appreciate Kibo Safari Camp for the opportunities it gives to our beneficiaries. The KOICA project aims to equip the youth in Lamu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Murang’a, and Makueni counties with demand-driven skills that can support them to secure livelihood opportunities.