The ethical and local resident perspectives of slum tourism in Kenya

Abstract

Slum tourism is relatively a new phenomenon which has generated a considerable body of reactions from many commentators. Nevertheless, there are numerous research gaps within the existing literature, especially on slum residents’ attitudes towards its development, its ethical acceptability and the level of benefits accrued. This paper examines the attitudes of Kibera slum residents towards the development of slum tourism. Semi -­‐‑structured interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from 13 key informants and 200 heads of households respectively. The research findings reveal that the residents of Kibera slums hold negative attitudes towards slum tourism as evidenced by low rating of the positive impact statements (Overall mean=2.43) and higher rating of negative impact statements (Overall mean=3.413). Both intrinsic factors and external factors, including the level of benefits and social impacts of slum tourism were found to shape the attitudes of the residents.