Tourism In Kenya Review

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Map of Kenya, showing various tourist destinations

Introduction

Kenya is one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa. The sector is the largest foreign exchange earner for this East Africa nation, generating an estimated US $500 million annually in hard currency. The country receives over 800,000 tourists annually, attracted by the white sand Indian Ocean beaches and prolific wildlife safaris. Britain is the main tourist market for Kenya with an average of 200,000 Britons visiting the country every year, (Joliffe, Tea and tourism pg. 47-59). Other tourist attractions include archaeological sites, beautiful scenery offered by the Great Rift Valley, Mt. Kenya, and coffee and tea plantations.

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism is a form of tourism where visitors come in a close encounter with nondomesticated animals in zoological gardens or their natural habitat. It involves a range of activities like general wildlife viewing, bird watching, whale watching, visiting zoos and aquaria, hunting, and recreational fishing. (Myra L. pg. 3) Wildlife tourism is the leading kind of tourism in Kenya. The county has over 48 national parks, game reserves, and marine parks spread across the country. Major national parks and game reserves include; Maasai Mara Game Reserves, Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park, Mount Kenya National park, Nairobi National Park, and Abedare National Park.

Visitors from all over the world flock to the Mara Game reserves from July to October, for an opportunity to see the Great Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti National park, in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara plains. Over 1.3 million wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in a massive herd. Tsavo and Amboseli National park are home to elephants, buffalos, leopards, and Lions.

Wildebeest crossing the crocodile infested Mara River from Serengeti National Park to Mara Game Reserves

Nairobi National Park was officially opened in 1946 and became the first national park in Kenya. The park is unique in that it is the only wildlife-protected area in the world located close to a capital city. (Morell, Virginia-Surrounded)The park is home to and the breeding ground for rhinos which are then re-introduced to other parks within the country. (Source: www.kws.org)Kenya Wildlife Service is the sole body mandated with the management, protection, and conservation of the biodiversity found within the Game Reserves, National Parks, and Marine Parks.

Sea, Sand, and Sun Tourism

This kind of tourism involves traveling to a place for relaxation on warm, sandy beaches and sea. Due to its strategic location on the East Coast of Africa, Kenya is endowed with a long, scenic coastline with white beaches and coral islands. The beaches offer great opportunities for water sports and other related tourist activities such as snorkeling, diving, catamaran rides and surfing.

Lamu Island is one of the destination attracting many foreign tourists. The pristine beaches, the old town of Lamu with its narrow streets are some aspects of this coastal town of Kenya. On the south coast, coral reefs have shielded the beaches from dangerous tides making the beaches safe for diving and swimming. Wasini, Kisite, and Mpunguti National Marine reserves offer great sites for snorkeling and other water sports activities.

History of Kenya Tourism

Tourism in Kenya dates back to the 1930s when explorers and overseas visitors started arriving in Kenya for hunting expeditions and search for solitude. These expeditions were referred to as “Safari”, a Swahili word for journey. This eventually became a vocabulary for travel in world literature. Many celebrities, Royalties and Statesmen who included the one-time US president Theodore Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth II, and Ernest Hemingway, were among the first famous figure to visit Kenya. (Myra L. pg.23).

It was not until independence in 1963, that the Kenya government realized the huge potential that the tourism industry held. Existing infrastructure serving the tourist industries were upgraded and new investment was channeled in development of new infrastructures. The government encouraged local and foreign investors to invest in the hospitality and tourism industries, resulting to spectacular growth of the tourism sector.

To safeguard the potential of the tourism industry, the government of Kenya formulated policy paper number 8 of 1969, outlining development and target that the government was aiming to achieve in the tourism industries in close cooperation with private sectors. Some of the aspects that made up the policy papers included:

Development and Protection of the tourist attractions
Type of tourism to be encouraged
Training and manpower development for the tourism sector
Marketing and promotion of the tourism sector
Research

Over the next few years, tourist arrivals increased, with increase in package tours. The demand for hotels and other tourist facilities also increased, as the sector took it right place in the economy of Kenya. (Nyeki-pg83-97).

Kenya Natural environment

Kenya lies on the equator, bordered to the north by Somali and Ethiopia, Uganda and Lake Victoria to the west, Tanzania to the south. On the East, it is bordered by Indian Ocean. The coastal lowlands and Southern highlands of Kenya have little variations in weather conditions, both having wet season between May and June and between October and November. (Myra L. pg.102)Kenya has consistent equatorial temperature ranging between 20 degree centigrade and 30 degree centigrade, slightly dropping on the highlands and raising on the region closer to Lake Victoria.

Most of Kenya is Plateau with highland areas. Mountain Kenya found in the central region is the second highest mountain in Africa. The Great Rift Valley spans the whole length of the country. River Tana and Galana are the main rivers found in Kenya.

Features of Kenyan Society

Kenya is a multicultural society, made up of 42 ethnic tribes. The Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, kalaenjin, Maasai, Kamba and Kisii are the main tribes. Other smaller tribes include Turkana, El-molo, Embu and Somalis. According to 1998 consensus, Kenya population stood at 29.7 million, with a population growth rate of 3.8 percent annually.

The average life expectancy in Kenya is 45 year. This low life expectancy coupled with high birth rate, have resulted to young generation dominating the Kenya population. 34 percent of the population lives in major urban towns while the rest resides in rural areas, especially in the fertile highlands. (Bindloss, pg18).

Kiswahili is the National language while English is the official language used in the country. Most rural people speak their tribal languages while most Kenyan urbanite converse in either English or Swahili.

There are hundreds of sects and religious denomination in Kenya largely because the constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Christianity is the dominant religion while Islam is mostly used in the coast and Northern Kenya where there is high concentration of Somali community. The Asian community practice Hinduism while some communities adhere to traditional worship methods.

The Kikuyu community is the largest tribe in Kenya. This tribe is famed for its early adoption of challenges brought about by westernization. Most Kikuyu are farmers, providing fresh produce to the city of Nairobi and Mombasa. They also grow Coffee and tea mainly for export. The Luo is the second largest tribal population, living along the shores of Lake Victoria; their main economic activity is fishing. (Bindloss, pg 64-70).

The Maasai is one of the unique tribe in Kenya, largely because of the community’s lifestyle. The males are classified by age groups, into elders, warriors and boys. Girl’s marriages are negotiated by their father even before the girl is born. Both girls and boys undergo circumcision, as a passage rite from childhood to adult hood. The largest population of Maasai is nomadic, living in cow dung hut, called Kraals, constructed by women. Older women enjoy same social status as male elders. This tribe is found in the Southern region of Kenya, especially in major national park like Amboseli and Maasai Mara. (Bindloss-pg74-79).

Some famous people from Kenya includes; Professor Wangari Maathai, who received the 2004, Nobel Peace for her effort in environmental conservation and Human rights campaigns. She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Prize. Other world renowned Kenyan includes; Ngugi wa Thiong’o, East Africa most influential writer, Jomo Kenyatta-the founding father of the Nation and Catherine Ndereva who set the New York Marathon record in 2001.

Impacts of Tourism on Kenya

In developing countries like Kenya, the key motivation behind tourism development and promotion is the economic benefits and improvements that come from tourist activities. In Kenya, tourism has both positive and negative economic, environmental and social impacts.

The importation and exportation of tourist related goods and general expenditure by tourist is a good source of foreign income which stimulates and accelerates growth for country. The foreign currency has also helped in stabilizing the country’s economy, hence stimulating investments.

The tourism industry has increased employment opportunities for Kenyans. Hotels, night clubs, taxis and souvenirs shops generate direct jobs for many Kenyan. This has led to improved standard of living for significant number of people. The sector has also led to provision and improvement of basic infrastructure like better roads, power supply, and communication network and sewage system in areas frequented by tourist like Mombasa and Maasai Mara.

Tourism industries contribute to environmental conservation as funds generated by tourism are allocated to areas within the country in urgent need of conservations. The Rhino Charge is a good example of tourist activities geared towards conservation. The annual events attracts tourist from allover the world who engage in Adventure Tourism through extreme sports. All revenues generated from this event goes toward conservation and fencing of the Aberdare National Park.

The transfer of revenues generated from tourism industries through import and export leakage is one of the negative impacts facing tourism in Kenya. While the country seems to be benefiting from tourism, there are many hidden cost in the tourism sectors. This makes Kenya a secondary beneficiary as a result of economic leakage. The fact that tour operators in Kenya promote and operate all-inclusive tour packages leaves a small percentage to the Kenyan economy. Over 75 percent of all expenses spent by tourist go toward accommodation, travels expenses and tour companies leaving only 25 percent to cater for employment, infrastructure and other expenses. (Isaac Sindiga-pg 53-57).

In the coastal town of Mombasa, the cost of living has risen mainly because of increased tourism activities. The local people are in direct competition with tourist for basic commodities. The cost of land and construction has risen due to high demand by the tourism sector. This has led to migration and erosion of economic opportunities for local people.

Pull Factors

Kenya has for a long time been the most peaceful country in the whole of East and Central Africa. This has been one of the reasons why the country have been ‘pulling’ tourist from all over the world. Kenyan neighbors; Uganda, Somali, Ethiopia and Rwanda have witnessed civil war for decades. As such, most tourists intending to spend their holidays in Africa prefer Kenya as their destination.

Kenya is known world wide as the home of the ‘big five’ i.e. Elephant, Rhino, lion, Leopard and buffalo. These coupled with major archaeological sites and landscapes found in the rift valley region attract many tourists. The Maasai community way of life and their long preserved cultures acts as tourist attraction to Kenya.

Motivational Factors

Tourists visiting Kenya coastal town of Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi do so to satisfy their relaxation need. The white beaches and the sun provide serene environment which provides inner relaxations. The highlands, especially the Mount Kenya region provides recreational satisfactions as tourist engage in activities ranging from sight seeing and game hunting.

Promotion of Kenya as a Tourist Destination

Various organizations have been charged with promotion of Kenya as a tourist destination. The ministry of tourism coordinates tourism promotion through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Kenya Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustees (CTDLT). Young, energetic marketing professionals have been incorporated in the running of these bodies to assist in development and implementation of tourism marketing plans. The Tourism Board has in recent years, set up marketing network in Kenya’s main source markets in Europe, Asia and United States.

The Kenya Government is also working in close cooperation with tour operators and private investors in promotion of tourism in Kenya. Virgin Airline, through the effort of its CEO, Sir Richard Branson and Nakumatt Holdings, Kenya leading supermarket Chain, have been in the fore front in recent months in promotion and marketing of Kenya as a tourist destination within the country and abroad. Various websites like Magical Kenya site, ministry of tourism site, etc have been set up to promote Kenya diversity.

Tourist Accommodation in Kenya

Tourist visiting Kenya has a wide range of accommodation to choose from. 5 stars hotels like the Hilton, Intercontinental, Grand Regency, Diani Beach hotel, Safari Beach Hotel and Safari Park hotel offer accommodation to high end tourist visiting Nairobi and Coast region. Serena Group operates many hotels and lodges in various tourist destinations outside major town. This includes Serena Mara Lodges and Serena Tsavo lodges. Tourist camping sites are spread across the country providing affordable accommodations to tourist. Private villas in the coastal region have also emerged as an alternative accommodation to tourist who prefers to stay in private residence.

Transportation to and Within Kenya

Tourist arrives in Kenya through various means. Various commercial Airlines operate direct flights between major European, Asian and Middle East cities to Nairobi and Mombasa. The National Carrier, Kenya Airways operate direct flights to London, Paris, Dubai, China and major African Cities. Charter flights from Europe are also operating direct connection to the coastal city of Mombasa. The country also receives tourist through the port of Mombasa who come in using luxury cruise Ships from the Caribbean and Europe.

When in Kenya, tourists use various means to get to various parts of the countries. Small airlines like Fly540, African Airlines and Express Kenya operates flights to various tourist destinations like Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Abedares and Malindi. The Rift Valley railway operates train transport services between major cities. Many tourists on sight seeing trip prefer this mode of transportation. The most common and preferred method of transportation within major national parks is mini vans. The vans allow the tourist to watch animals and take photos comfortably.

Gastronomic Experience

Due to the diverse cultures found in Kenya, the country is home to a wide range of gastronomic experience. Roasted game meat, locally known as “Nyama Choma” is the most common delicacies that tourist enjoy especially in regions inhabited by the Maasai community. In Nairobi, the Carnivore hotels serve crocodile, antelope and gazelle meat, attracting many tourists.

In the rift valley region, soar milk, locally known as ‘muski’, taken directly from the traditional gourd is a tourist favorites. In central Kenya, tourists enjoy local foods known as ‘irio’, a mixture of indigenous vegetables, maize, beans, bananas and potatoes. In the lake side town of Kisumu, fish and ‘ugali’ is the main dishes. (Jolliffe-2007).

Conclusion

Tourism is one of the leading sectors of Kenya economy. Tourists are attracted to this East Africa nation by idyllic beaches and prolific wildlife found in numerous Game Reserves, Marine Parks and National Parks. For a very long time, Kenya has been known to be a peaceful country compared to its neighbors, hence attracting many tourists than many other African Nations. Recent political turmoil which led to violence across the whole country was a major blow to the country’s tourism industries. Dilapidated infrastructures especially roads leading to major National park and run down air fields in various towns have also led to decreased tourist arrivals in the county. The Kenya government must invest in development of infrastructures if it is benefit and get a fair share of the world Tourism industry.

References

Accommodation Options in Kenya, 2008. Web.

Daniel Musili Nyeki, 1993, Wildlife Conservation and tourism in Kenya, Jacaranda Designs, Nairobi.

Isaac Sindiga and Rijiksuniversiteit te Leiden, 1999, Tourism and Africa Development: Change and Challenge of Tourism in Kenya, Ashgate publisher, Hampshire.

Joseph Bindloss, Tom Parkinson, Hugh Finlay, 2003, Kenya, Lonely Planet Press, New York.

Lee Jolliffe, 2007, Tea and Tourism: Tourists, Traditions and Transformation, Channel View Publishers, United Kingdom.

Morell, Virginia. 1996, Surrounded: Civilization is encroaching on Nairobi National Park in Kenya – Nairobi’s Wild Side, International Wildlife.

Myra L. Shackley, 1996, Wildlife Tourism, Cengage Learning EMEA press, London.

The Land of Contrast, 2008. Web.

The Maasai Mara wildebeest Migration, 2008, Web.

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