Majid Al Futtaim Gets NITA Approval for Retail Training School

Majid Al Futtaim has become the first retailer in the country to have its internal training institution certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

The certification allows the company’s Retail Business School (RBS) to offer nationally recognized vocational training programmes in key retail and food industry skills, including Meat Technology, Retail Food Management, Bakery and Pastry Technology, and Food Service Operations. With the accreditation, the school’s curriculum now meets Kenya’s national vocational training standards.

The milestone positions Majid Al Futtaim as the first retailer in the country to gain official recognition for its internal workforce training programme, strengthening its role in developing retail skills in Kenya’s fast-growing consumer sector.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director for East Africa at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said the certification reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the retail workforce and developing future industry leaders.

“Achieving NITA certification is a moment of pride for us that underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to advancing the retail industry in Kenya. By becoming the first retailer to secure this national accreditation, we are elevating the capabilities of our workforce of over 3,000 colleagues and cultivating the next generation of retail leaders,” he said.

He added that equipping employees with standardized, internationally aligned skills will allow them to compete in a modern economy while supporting Kenya’s goal of building a highly skilled workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth.

According to Theresa Wasike, Acting Director General of the National Industrial Training Authority, the accreditation highlights the growing role of the private sector in bridging skills gaps and improving workforce competitiveness.

“This accreditation demonstrates strong alignment between private sector investment and national vocational training standards. Industry-led initiatives play an important role in addressing skills gaps, supporting youth employment, and strengthening the competitiveness of Kenya’s workforce,” she said.

Launched in 2024, the Retail Business School forms part of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader investment in human capital development. In 2025 alone, the institution delivered more than 44,700 hours of specialized training in Kenya, resulting in 500 certifications and 108 internal promotions within the company.

With the new NITA accreditation, employees who complete the programmes will now receive nationally recognized qualifications, allowing them to build long-term careers in the retail and food service industries.

Beyond the Retail Business School, the company also runs an 18-month Retail Graduate Programme in partnership with Kenyan universities, offering graduates practical work experience and structured professional development as they enter the workforce.

Majid Al Futtaim also delivers leadership development initiatives in collaboration with Harvard Business School, aimed at strengthening management capacity across its retail operations in the region.

The certification comes as Kenya’s retail sector continues to expand rapidly, increasing demand for specialized technical skills in food handling, supply chain management, and modern retail operations.