Impediments to regional tourism development in Kenya’s North Rift Region

Abstract

Regional tourism is seen as a way of diversifying tourism in order to revitalize the economy at the marginalized lands. However, development of regional tourism has numerous challenges. This study identified challenges confronting tourism development in the North Rift region of Kenya by reviewing related literature, carrying out interviews with officials from six hotels and four tour companies. Two Kenya Tourist Board officials were also interviewed, and field observations utilized. Key challenges confronting tourism development in the region related to development of tourism products, accessibility, marketing, coordination among stakeholders and insecurity. These problems must be addressed jointly by the central government, local governments, hotels, tour operators and the host community if meaningful tourism is to be realized.