Sustainable management of community based Tourism: the case of community based tourism projects in Isiolo county in Kenya.

Abstract

Generally, this study is about the sustainable management of community based tourism in Kenya using Isiolo County as a case study. Consequently it examined the role of Sustainable Management of Community Based Tourism in Isiolo County and evaluated the potentials for Sustainable Management of Community Based Tourism in Isiolo and finally concluded with a draft of policy recommendations on interventions for more effective Community Based Tourism. The study depended largely on primary data with intermediate use of tables and figures with textual narration to present the information. The study found out that the roles of sustainable management of community based tourism were realized through local community involvement in tourism activities, as an economic contributor, a mechanism to curb community disputes on tourism resources and enhancement of preservation and conservation of tourism resources. The study also found out that the CBTs in Isiolo County were sustainable and successful since Isiolo locals had been trained to participate in tourism project, employed, and used the profits resulting from tourism activities for community projects development. The study revealed the challenges that affected CBTs which were lack of funding, insecurity, poor infrastructure, corruption, poor market, the policy and institutional framework which were in place. The economic blueprint of Vision 2030 and devolution in Kenya government system would enhance growth of Sustainable management of Community Based Tourism in the region. Lastly the study has given various recommendations to improve CBT that includes all the stakeholders in keeping destination attractive to attain sustainable market.