The performance of the tourism industry in Kenya:A prioritization of determining factors

Abstract

The tourism industry is a vital artery of Kenya's economic complexion with incredible potential. However, the industry has been performing poorly especially in the 1990s. The objective of this research was to establish a priority list which has previously lacked making the tourism industry head for a slump. This was achieved by assessing the type, severity, prevalence and extent of the impact of the various determining factors such as security, marketing, infrastructure, government moratorium / incentives and taxation among others. Six categories .of respondents were interviewed; which included hotel managers, tourists, beach operators, tour operators, MTW and KWS. A factor analysis model was used to develop the priority list. The research found that security, infrastructure, marketing and government moratorium / incentives should be prioritized in that order. Other findings revealed that the poor performance leading to the relative decline of the tourism industry was inevitable since there had been signals to that effect over the years. The findings therefore form a paradigm in shaping tourism policy in Kenya for revival and expansion of this important sector of the economy.