2022, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
Kabii Francis and Naghea Jilo

abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on training in tourism and hospitality institutes in Kenya. The specific objective was to examine the effect of COVID-19 on students learning expected outcomes and its impacts on their mental and emotional health, and post – COVID-19 era coping mechanisms. The study design was descriptive and combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A total of 105 students formed the sample size and represented international and local students. The finding indicated that the pandemic seriously affected curriculum contents, delivery methods and disrupted the learning annual calendar. About 43% of respondents had sleep disorders, while 44% had problems concentrating on what was being taught. More than 38% said that their irritability had increased and feared that they will contract the virus. This in total affected their performance and relationship with their peers and friends. The study recommends the introduction of guidelines on how to detect and manage the effects of the pandemic. Students should be involved in finding stress coping mechanisms as most of them have the signs. Further study in the areas is recommended on bigger samples and the use of other data collection and analysis tools.