| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of the study was to investigate the role played by the Fort Jesus Museum (FJM) in
the socio-economic development of the local community. Specifically, the study aimed at
identifying the financial spillovers of the museum as a centre of tourist attraction to the local
communities and singled out six major business activities that the local communities are
. involved in to earn a living from tourism. It examined how economic activities around FJM have
helped to create employment for the local community, hence contributing to their socioeconomic
development and those of their families. It also looked at the efforts being pursued by
management of FJM that are aimed at helping the local businesses maximize the benefits they
derive from the museum through tourism.
Data for the research were collected using questionnaires which were administered to the target
population. Stratified random sampling was used to select respondents. Purposive sampling was
used to select respondents from the museum professionals. Focus group discussions involving
the local community and museum staff were also conducted. Data were analysed both
qualitatively and quantitatively.
In order to capture the research objectives, the study was guided by the assumption that the
problem of elite capture, where the richest and most skilled people are able to cash better than
others, thus bringing imbalance in the distribution of benefits, does not exist.
The findings have revealed that the museum mostly contributes indirectly to the socio-economic
development of the people. The major contribution from the museum is that it is a centre of
tourists' attraction, which, in turn provide market for business activities run near Fort Jesus. In
certain cases, these businesses have also created employment for scores of the people from the
community, hence contributing to their socio-economic development.
On recommendation, the author proposes that similar studies be conducted to find out to what
extent other museums and heritage sites such as Jumba La Mtwana and Gede contribute to the
people's livelihood in the surrounding areas. These studies, if well conducted and documented,
may form a basis for requesting the Government of Kenya to consider increasing financial
allocations to NMK in view of the institution's contribution to the socio-economic development
of the people and poverty reduction in general. | en |
