“Growing up in Kisumu County was not easy for me. As the firstborn of eight children in a family with only one breadwinner who relied on casual informal jobs, life was challenging. But I had one pillar in my life—my mother. She always praised me when I prepared meals for the family, and that encouragement sparked my desire to become a hotelier. Now, as I check in every morning to Ichaweri Hotel, I am a proud girl,” shared Concilia Achieng during our visit interview.

Concilia finished high school in 2021 and immediately moved to Mombasa to work as a house help. During one of her house shopping trips, she discovered Ujuzi Institute of Career Development. Upon inquiry, she realized that the institute’s flexible programs would allow her to balance work and study.

Her favorite moments included field visits and life skills training, in addition to the core hospitality skills. These activities significantly boosted her self-esteem. During her on-the-job training, she approached Ichaweri Hotel for an attachment, which they gladly offered. Concilia proved to be a problem solver across various departments, impressing the management. When Ujuzi staff visited for an assessment, the hotel management expressed their desire to retain her.