EXAMINATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF GRADUATES JOINING THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN KENYA

The purpose of the study was to examine the perception of industry personnel on the attitude of graduates joining the hospitality industry in Kenya. The main objective was to examine the perception of employers in the hospitality industry on the attitude of graduates from universities and technical colleges on their employability and performance in the hospitality industry. The study used qualitative and quantitative research methods. Quantitative data was collected through researcher-administered questionnaires, while qualitative data was collected through interviews. The target respondents were managers, supervisors, and departmental heads who interact with these graduates. The overall perception of university graduates' workplace attitudes was neutral to moderately positive. The data revealed that most respondents rated Kenya Utalii College graduates' attitudes as "good" across all positions. There was statistically significant evidence that the distribution of attitudes toward college graduates differs by respondent’s job position. The study recommends additional internships, work placements, and practicum courses for graduates before joining the industry.