Kenya Rafting Federation (KRF) will be offering professional skills development and certification programmes in rafting, adventure tourism, water sports and risk management across various sporting disciplines and fields in Kenya.
Kenya Rafting Federation is already in partnership with leading higher learning institutions, including Kenyatta University and Murang’a University. In June this year, the federation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the universities to incorporate water sports such as kayaking and rafting into the university curriculum.
“Rafting in Kenya has really grown in the last two years, and it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, owing to the heavy investment by the government through the Ministry of Sports and Culture. We are looking at teaming up with some of the leading universities, like Kenyatta University and Murang’a University, where we are exploring opportunities to expand the training of rafting,” said William Kinuthia.
Leveraging its vast experience in water sports, Kenya Rafting Federation will offer a range of professional short courses through both theoretical and practical training. The courses will be designed to equip adventure tourism practitioners with practical skills applicable to various careers, sports disciplines and outdoor recreation.
“We are building capacity, and we are conducting a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) programme for lecturers from the universities we have partnered with in Kenya. This will enable us to train them, after which we will also handle the practical part of the courses. Kenya Rafting Federation currently has the biggest capacity as a federation, supported by the heavy investment and support from the Government through the Ministry of Sports and Culture,” So there are a number of courses and one can do all the courses offered at a time and gradually until they qualify as instructors added William Kinuthia.
The proposed courses include: Raft Guide, Raft Trip Leader, Safety Kayak, Safety Raft, Whitewater Rafting Rescue Technician, Event Safety, Rope Rescue, Adventure and River Management, and Water Sports Safety.
The theoretical component of the courses will be offered online, while practical lessons will be undertaken by Kenya Rafting Federation (KRF) instructors at Rapids Camp Sagana Rafting Course. The course duration will also vary from two weeks – 3 months training period.
The courses will be aligned with internationally recognized rafting qualifications. Kenya Rafting Federation prides itself on having highly trained instructors certified by recognized governing bodies such as United Rafting and Paddle Worldwide.
The courses will be suitable for tour guides, outdoor instructors, hospitality workers, pool attendants, university graduates, young people seeking professional skills, and individuals interested in pursuing careers in adventure tourism and related fields.