RP-Department of Tourism Management

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A critical outlook of tourism sector performance management reforms in Kenya -: (results or ,value based management?)
(Kenyatta university, 2009) Maingi, Donald K.; Ondigi, Alice. N; Maingi, Shem W.; Ondigi, S. R.
Tourism in Kenya is a key driver towards the attainment of the socio-economic blueprint, which is achieving the goals of Vision 2030. In the recent past, such were achieved with sector reforms that critically assessed the roles and functions of public servants where performance would be used as the sole indicator for resource allocation and usage. This was perceived as a means for conditioning reinforcement; therefore creating a results based philosophy in public sector management strategies. However, this is contrary to the thesis that when public sector management emphasizes exclusively on results, attention to socio-cultural, environmental and economic values is reduced by default. Therefore requiring a fundamental understanding on the sectoral values and attributes, before customizing a performance management strategy. This paper, seeks to advance such dialogue further by assessing the dynamics involved in tourism organizational settings qualified according to the needs and demands of the Tourism industry.
The influence of ethnicity on leisure pursuits and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
(Academic Journals, 2010-07) Mbuthia, Susan W.; Maingi, Shem W.
This study is based on the premise that there are fundamental differences in tourism behaviour of immigrants in Europe, such that, there are certain ethnic and cultural determinants to travel preferences, choice and behaviour. Previous studies in Europe reveal certain socio-economic constraints that face ethnic minorities in Europe. This study sought to identify these ethnic determinants/ constraints of travel behaviour amongst Somali immigrants in the Netherlands. A field survey was conducted through the use of structured interviews. The interviews were conducted to twenty nine adults living in the city of Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The respondents were college students and other adults from twenty one years and above, specifically of Somali decent. The results indicated that there were in deed ethnic differences in leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants to the Netherlands. The Bantu Somalis were more liberal and would adapt more than the other Somalis when they come into contact with other cultures. Travel preferences of these respondents were based on their personal values; personal liking; family ties and the level of interest of places to travel. Racialized expressions and social encounters played a pivotal role in the way the Somalis living in the Netherlands chose to travel and engage in their daily and leisure activities. These individuals were more or less influenced by other cultural contexts, therefore having significantly different preferences in leisure pursuits and travel behaviour. Majority of the findings confirmed that there were ethnic constraints and determinants to leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This work has demonstrated that there were indeed constraints experienced by immigrants and especially those of Somali ethnicity, and close attention to the experiences of other Netherlands immigrants such as those from Caribbean or Middle East should be researched on. This would help develop a broader analysis of immigrants’ forms and ways of travel and their experiences.
The all-inclusive holiday concept at the Kenyan coast
(2010-08) Mutisya, Mary M.
Purpose: This paper aims at profiling the application of the all inclusive holiday concept in Kenya, and identifying the positives and draw backs of the current mode of application. Design/methodology The study was a cross-sectional survey design and it targeted the hotels along the Kenyan coast offering the all inclusive holiday package. The study was carried out in between December 2008 and April 2009. The data was analysed descriptively. Findings: The outcome of the study shows that the application of all-inclusive concept had been varied from the original; these modifications have had both strengths and drawbacks to the hospitality and tourism industry. The current application of all inclusive in Kenya needs to be reviewed Practical Implications: understanding the strengths and draw backs of the modified mode of all inclusive is useful to the hospitality practitioners and the tourism industry at large. The study gives recommendations on how to improve service delivery to all-inclusive guests, this is more profitable to the economy and would yield greater customer satisfaction; does not stretch the limited resources, it would also result in sustainable tourism. Originality/value: The study will contribute to knowledge, especially in the of all inclusive holidays area where there very is little documentation.
Wildlife Conservation, Safari Tourism and the Role of Tourism Certification in Kenya: A Postcolonial Critique
(Tourism Recreation Research, 2011) Akama, John S.; Maingi, Shem W.; Camargo, Blanca A.
Kenya’s national parks and game reserves form the pillar of the country’s tourism industry, and wildlifeviewing and safari tourism are significant generators of income and foreign exchange. The promulgation of pioneer national parks in Kenya in the mid-20th century followed colonial practices of “exclusion” and “divide and rule”which marginalized local communities in decision-making processes and initiation of tourism programmes and wildlife conservation initiatives. Government supported policies and programmes that focused on wildlife protection and promotion of safari tourism also accentuated human–wildlife conflicts and contributed to species loss and habitat fragmentation. This study examines the evolution of Kenya’s wildlife conservation policies and safari tourism programmes, and argues that safari tourism in Kenya has privileged Western models of tourism development and wildlife conservation, with historic exclusion of indigenous communities still ongoing today, though some improvements are evident. Postcolonial legacies influence the political economy of tourism in regard to the Maasai in Kenya; inequitable power relations are illustrated with the help of a literature review as well as a case example. The study offers suggestions to guide the development of future tourism certification programmes and indicators related to protected areas and safari tourism. Such programmes should be cognizant of Kenya’s postcolonial context and attend to social and cultural sustainability, including issues of inclusion, exclusion and empowering local communities to participate directly in the management and ownership of environmental and tourism resources
The Wildlife Tourism Market to Kenya (2002–2003)
(Taylor &Francis, 2011-02-06) Pius, Ongoro Odunga; Shem, Wambugu Maingi
An understanding of the wildlife tourism market is fundamental for the development of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry. It is imperative to product development and segmentation, especially with regard to understanding trends in the market place. This study was undertaken to understand better the demographic preferences of wildlife tourists and to determine their preferences, expectations, and choices. Various personal and trip attributes of the visitors were considered. A linear structural relationship (LISREL) approach was applied in order to estimate the structural equation systems by using its maximum likelihood estimator. Using data from 1,566 tourists who had completed their holidays in Kenya, it was found that various forms of travel based on packaging do not significantly affect the preferences of tourists. However, tourists' characteristics and their trip attributes have significant effects on these variables. Advanced age, higher socio-economic status, larger group size, and shorter length of stay are associated with higher preference for wildlife viewing.
Conference tourism in Kenya : towards tourism product development, diversification and extension
(2011-10-31) Maingi, S. M.; Odunga, P.O; Belsoy, S.J; Nthinga R,W
Kenya is predominantly a nature- based tourism destination with wildlife (concentrated in the southern part of the country) and beaches (along the Indian Ocean) accounting for over 85% of the international tourists visiting the country. Other attractions are based on the physical landscape of the country and the culture of the people. However, the emergence and constant growth of MICEtravelers on the demand-side have shifted the perceptions on tourism marketing globally. Unfortunately, the full potential of conference tourism has not been exploited locally. The development, marketing and promotion of conference tourism in Kenya have been disparate. This has been entrenched further by the lack of a co-ordinated, targeted effort to market conference tourism in global markets. This paper seeks to highlight and assess venues for the development of conference tourism in Kenya. It also seeks to isolate strategies for harnessing even greater potential of conference tourism in Kenya. The paper acknowledges the emergence of M.I.C.E tourism as an alternative tourism strategy of choice for Kenya’s tourism diversification and development strategies. The paper recommends that properly structured foundational activities need to be put in place towards building a strong destination-based ‘Conference tourism’ brand. These activities would include the establishment of a conference bidding team composed of the major stakeholders in the meetings industry. Further, the establishment of a fully-fledged and government supported conventional bureau would be the best intervention in the promotion of conference tourism in Kenya. By de-centralizing tourism promotion and marketing, the government would essentially harness the advantages related to outsourcing. By combining, sharing and expanding core competencies, these networks enhance K.T.B.’s efforts of efficiently marketing Kenya’s tourism sector drastically
The influence of ethnicity on leisure pursuits and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands
(2011-10-31) Mbuthia, Susan W.
This study is based on the premise that there are fundamental differences in tourism behaviour of immigrants in Europe, such that, there are certain ethnic and cultural determinants to travel preferences, choice and behaviour. Previous studies in Europe reveal certain socio-economic constraints that face ethnic minorities in Europe. This study sought to identify these ethnic determinants/ constraints of travel behaviour amongst Somali immigrants in the Netherlands. A field survey was conducted through the use of structured interviews. The interviews were conducted to twenty nine adults living in the city of Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The respondents were college students and other adults from twenty one years and above, specifically of Somali decent. The results indicated that there were in deed ethnic differences in leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants to the Netherlands. The Bantu Somalis were more liberal and would adapt more than the other Somalis when they come into contact with other cultures. Travel preferences of these respondents were based on their personal values; personal liking; family ties and the level of interest of places to travel. Racialized expressions and social encounters played a pivotal role in the way the Somalis living in the Netherlands chose to travel and engage in their daily and leisure activities. These individuals were more or less influenced by other cultural contexts, therefore having significantly different preferences in leisure pursuits and travel behaviour. Majority of the findings confirmed that there were ethnic constraints and determinants to leisure and tourism behaviour of Somali immigrants in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This work has demonstrated that there were indeed constraints experienced by immigrants and especially those of Somali ethnicity, and close attention to the experiences of other Netherlands immigrants such as those from Caribbean or Middle East should be researched on. This would help develop a broader analysis of immigrants’ forms and ways of travel and their experiences
Tourism in Kenya: An analysis of strategic issues and challenges
(2012-01) Mayaka, M. A.; Prasad, H.
This paper examines the current situation of Kenya's tourism based on analysis of various secondary sources including government records, news articles, a corpus of academic papers and discussions with industry players both face-to-face and through the internet and telephone conversation (providing valuable primary in-put). A brief historical context is presented and a modified version of the generic political, environmental, socio-cultural, economic and legal (PESTEL) using the symbolism of centripetal force is used to discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing Kenya's tourism. In this symbolic framework, tourism sector is depicted as being surrounded by various external constraining forces. The paper argues that the unstable state of the tourism sector under the influence of these forces must be the focus of a concerted strategic initiative to leverage Kenya as a competitive destination, particularly given its comparative advantage in form of tourism resource endowment. This assertion is based on the fact that various fragmented attempts to ameliorate the situation have yielded limited success.
Examining Kenya’s Tourist Destinations’ Appeal: The Perspectives of Domestic Tourism Market
(journal of tourism and hospitality, 2012-09-27) Ndivo, R. M.; Waudo, Judith N.; Waswa, F.
Kenya’s tourism activity has always been centered on the coastal beaches and a few game parks despite of being endowed with a unique combination of tourist attractions spread throughout the country. Noting this skewed nature of tourism development, this study aimed at investigating the status of appeal of the different Kenya’s tourist regions from the perspective of the domestic market with the goal of examining the efficacy of the destination appeal enhancers. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using mainly descriptive statistics. The study found out that while majority of Kenyans considered taking a holiday as being important to them, a significant majority of them were not be aware of most of the country’s touristic attractions and hence, frequented only a few of the country’s attractions, mainly the coastal beaches. Further, the study found out that the most important sources of travel information available to Kenyans were personal experience and information from significant others; travel marketers were considered as being the least significant source of information. The study thus, concluded that the limited scope of tourist activities available within most of Kenya’s attractions, coupled with the limited sources of travel information may actually be leading causes of the lack of awareness and popularity of most Kenya’s tourist attractions. This study thus, recommends a deliberate effort on the part of the tourism policy makers and marketers to enhance the appeal of all the country’s attractions and position them as destinations in their own right. This would call for the adoption of a tourism development strategy that not only seeks to promote the country as one destination with varied tourist attractions, but one that would adopt a bottom-up approach, primarily focusing on developing the individual tourist attractions as a way of ensuring a country-wide competitiveness.
From National to Regional Tourism Development Focus in Kenya: Examining the Challenges and Opportunities
(Tourism Planning & Development, 2012-10-11) Ndivo, R. M.; Waudo, Judith N.; Waswa, F.
Despite Kenya's unique combination of tourist attractions spread throughout the country, the tourism activity in the country has always been almost exclusively centred on two geographical regions: the coastal beaches and a handful of game reserves and national parks. The goal of this study was thus to examine the reasons for the country's skewed tourism development and explore strategies of addressing the skew. The study was primarily based on documentary review of existing empirical and official government reports and other related documents. The study revealed key factors as being responsible for the lopsided development of Kenya's tourism. First and foremost, the country's tourism development policy proved to be a leading obstacle to the development of the country's tourist attractions and regions. Further, the centralised focus of Kenya's tourism planning, governance and marketing was also noted as being responsible for the skewed tourism development in the country. In addition, there was an evident lack of consensus on the demarcation of the different tourist regions in the country by the key tourism development agencies and stakeholders. It was also noted that Kenya lacks a tourism master plan, a roadmap to guide the development of the industry. Other factors included lack of awareness of the different attractions in the country and the passive role of tourism marketers in packaging and promoting the different tourist attractions in the country, only concentrating on the traditionally popular ones. The study thus recommends the adoption of a regional tourism development focus in Kenya that would facilitate the development and positioning of the different tourist attractions and regions as destinations on their own right. Unlike the centralised approach, this model would recognise the varied needs, level of maturity and vision of each region and be supported within the context of the existing national and county framework.
Application of destination choice model: Factors influencing domestic tourists destination choice among residents of Nairobi, Kenya
(Tourism Management, 2012-12) Mutinda, R.; Mayaka, M. A.
The objective of this study was to assess the status of Kenya's tourist destinations and the factors that determine their choices among the residents of Nairobi. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design that covered 118 respondents randomly selected from adult patrons at an up-market shopping mall in Nairobi. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The Hypotheses were tested using chi-squares and Pearson Product–Moment Correlation at 95% confidence level. The results indicated that tourism in Kenya is almost exclusively centred on the south coast beaches and a handful of game reserves or national parks. The Kenya's domestic tourist market considered individual trait factors as being more significant in determining the choice of a holiday destination than the environmental factors. The findings further indicated that the factors that motivated Nairobi residents in the choice of domestic tourism destination in rank order include: knowledge and adventure; economic concerns; personal safety; destination information; travel arrangement; destination features; family and friends; leisure and relaxation; religious and cultural considerations and travel bragging. Statistical tests failed to reject the hypothesis that majority of Kenya's domestic tourist attraction areas do not fall within the evoked set of the destination choice model. Keywords Tourist attractions; Tourist regions; Tourist destinations; Destination choice sets; Holiday packages; Domestic tourism; Domestic tourism market
Benefits of Slum Tourism in Kibera Slum in Nairobi, Kenya
(2013) Chege, P.; Mwisukha, A.
The study focused on assessing slum tourism as a viable tourism option. The objectives were to: determine the main tourism attraction in Kibera slum, establish the perceptions of Kibera’s slum dwellers, Kenya Tourism Board and Victoria Safaris towards slum tourism, determine the benefits of slum tourism to Kibera slum dwellers. The exploratory and descriptive survey research design was used. The target population of the study was 800,000 residents of Kibera slum who live in a total of 12 villages, 160 employees of Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and 38 employees of Victoria Safaris. The sample size was 472 respondents, 384 from Kibera, 50 from KTB and 38 from Victoria Safaris. Simple random sampling was used to select 6 (50%) villages in Kibera. Snowball sampling method was then used to select respondents in those six villages. The initial subjects were identified using purposive technique. The subjects from the KTB were selected using convenient sampling method while all subjects from Victoria Safaris participated. Data was collected by the use of questionnaire. A pilot study was run in Kisumu dogo slum village. Reliability of the instrument was determined during the pilot study using test re-test technique. There was a strong liking for slum tourism across all categories as majority, 396 (83.9%), view it as beneficial to the slum residents in improving their living conditions. Observing residents’ life style and taking photographs were identified as major tourist activities in Kibera slum. The study recommends that there should be a deeper participation of residents in running and making decisions on slum tours to increase benefits to the residents. There is also need for government to develop a policy whose aim is to guide on ways of conducting slum tours. There is also need for Ministry of Tourism to educate the residents on how to take advantage of the venture and open up businesses like tour firms and how to provide other services in order to reap the benefits of slum tourism.
The Roles of Destination Brands in Influencing Choices of Wildlife-Based Tourists in Kenya
(2013) Maingi, S.W.; Ondigi, Alice N.; Wadawi, J.K.
This paper is concerned with discerning the efficacy of park branding in influencing tourist choice behaviour and understanding behavioural differences of visitors as a basis for explaining their choice and behavioural intentions. Kenya’s Vision 2030 clearly emphasized that a yield-focused branding strategy in Kenyan premium parks, complemented by the expansion in underutlized parks would improve Tourism GDP from Kshs 8 bn in 2006 to Kshs 11 bn - accounting to over 56% of Tourism GDP (GoK 2008). Up to now, 18 parks and reserves have been branded in Kenya and expectations are that such market-based initiatives would improve the image of Kenyan parks. Current trends however indicate that underutilized branded parks such as Hells gate National Park have witnessed a 38.3% decline in visitation from 2005-2009 from 38,900 to 24,000 in 2005 visitors in 2009 (KWS 20084; Euromonitor International 2010). In contrast, premium parks such as the L. Nakuru National Park have witnessed impressive results since 2005, with an annual visitation growth rate of 12% from 2005-2009 (KWS 20 I0). Such contradictions in visitation patterns between branded premium parks and underutilized parks warranted this study in investigating choice behaviour of visitors to branded parks in Kenya. The World Bank report on tourism development in Kenya further raises ideal concerns over the uncompetitiveness of Kenya’s traditional tourism product offerings and the need to reposition the country’s market image as a premier safari destination (World Bank, 20] 0). The study reviews literature on the role of destination branding, both the idealism and realism views as well as the Essentialism vs. Naturalism views. It provides benchmarks studies globally as a means of assessing the efficacy of park branding globally. A detailed conceptual review of the role of place and destination brands is reviewed. The study was undertaken by way of a Survey of local and international travellers visiting a clustered sample of branded national parks in Kenya. Interviews were conducted to assess the roles of destination brands in influencing their choices.
Selecting Non-Classified Hotels in Kenya: What Really Matters for Business Guests?
(AJHTL, 2014) Kivuva, Alex K.; Kihima, Bonface O.; Nzioka, Alice M.
Non-classified hotels, which comprise small hotels and guest houses, are important accommodation providers offering limited services and products as compared to the classified hotels. Through guest satisfaction, they can achieve repeat business and also get new business through word of mouth from previous guests. The main focus is for the hoteliers to know exactly the determinants of selection of hotels by their guests. In this case, the focus was on non-classified hotels in Mtwapa town at the Kenyan coast. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Results from this study clearly indicate that all aspects of hotel operations are important to business guests’ selection of a non-classified hotel. However, it was revealed that this was not on equal basis. Results indicate that the core product (guestroom comfortability), hygiene and cleanliness were the most important factors in determining guests’ selection of where to stay. This research therefore suggests that any efforts towards quality improvement in a hotel should focus primarily on ensuring customer satisfaction with the guestroom. While acknowledging the importance of all aspects of hotel operations, managers should recognize the importance of the guestroom and its facilities towards hotel selection and overall customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is imperative that managers channel their resources towards improving guest services in the guestrooms in accordance with the requirements of the clientele. This includes such aspects as the look of the guest rooms, facilities provided in the guest rooms and comfortability of the bed and mattress.
Towards a Competitive Framework for Park Branding in Kenya: Case of Premium and Under-utilized Parks in Kenya
(SciTechnol, 2014) Maingi, S.; Ondigi, A.; Wadawi, J. K.
This paper is concerned with discerning the efficacy of park branding in influencing tourist choice behaviour and understanding behavioural differences of visitors as a basis for explaining their choice and behavioural intentions. It further seeks to assess the relative image of Kenyan branded parks to visitors in terms of quality, price, service and diverse attractions as well as explore the influence of brand personalities on behavioural intentions of visitors. The study was undertaken by way of a Survey of local and international travellers visiting a clustered sample of branded national parks in Kenya during the period August – December 2013. The data collected was analysed using Structural Equations Modelling (SEM) approach. A structural equations model (SEM) was estimated including latent constructs and their manifest indicators. On overall, the results were indicative of a need that the park brand’s perception and personality and (or) uniqueness be revealed better through marketing concepts that are linked to historical, ecological, socio-cultural values of the park and the adjacent communities. In this way, the park’s brand personality could positively influence choice behavior of targeted market segments. The study is useful in aiding the various programmes for Tourism Marketing and Recovery Strategy such as the premier park initiative, and the under-utilized park initiative. The study contributes with significant policy implications on the way forward on park brand management and marketing as well as in understanding tourist choice behaviour in Kenyan context. The study contributes with significant policy implications on the way forward on park brand management and marketing as well as in understanding tourist choice behaviour in Kenyan context. The interrogation and development of the concept of park branding and its efficacy from a marketing and policy perspective has been a unique theoretical contribution of this study.
Effects of Supermarket Delis on Established Restaurants in Nairobi’s Central Business District
(IISTE, 2014) Kungu’u, Samson Kuria; Kirathe, Teresa Wangui; Wangeci, Charles Gitari
The most notable change that has taken place in supermarkets in the recent past is the emergence of the delicatessen. Over the years, the deli has grown from a small service department that primarily focused on meat, cold cuts and prepared salads to a department that sells a wide variety of products including pizza, assorted sandwiches, hot entrees, chilled RTE foods, salads and other specialty food items. With the entrant of the deli into the RTE food market, restaurants as a matter of fact are getting a run for their money.The main objective of this study was to establish the effects that the deli concept had on established restaurants within NCBD. Other objectives of the study were; to determine the prevalence of the deli, examine their popularity among city residents and to profile the clientele of the supermarket deli. The literature review made it clear that the deli indeed affected the normal operations of restaurants especially in terms of sales and guest turnover. The review also served to highlight the gaps that exist in previous studies on the same.The research was conducted in NCBD where the researcher identified three supermarket branches from various chains and nine restaurants around the targeted supermarkets. Both the supermarkets and the restaurants were purposively selected due to the fact that they had the desired characteristics for the study. City residents were randomly picked from the targeted restaurants and were interviewed to examine how popular the concept was.Data that was collected was grouped and presented in form of tables and pie charts and an analysis followed. The findings showed that despite the concept being very new in the region; it has been adapted by nearly all supermarket chains and is spreading quickly. The concept proved to be very popular among residents as more and more are shifting to deli dining. Response from the restaurants shows that their operations had been affected in one way or another since the emergence of the deli. The study also showed that the deli customers were mainly students and office workers. The study recommends that both the restaurant and the delis should come up with marketing strategies instead of relying on word of mouth and manipulating the impulse buying behavior of customers. It also recommends that restaurants should revise their prices for take-out meals so that they are cheaper than meals consumed on the premises. Decent packaging for takeaways was also emphasized. Considering the short period that the delis have been in operation and the effects already being felt by the restaurants, it is evident that in the near future the impact will be greater. It is therefore time that the restaurants re-strategize if they want to remain in business.
Perceptions of Tourism Students towards Career Choice in the Kenyan Tourism Industry: A Comparative Study of Moi University and Kenya Utalii College
(AJTHLS, 2015) Kivuva, Alex K; Kipkosgei, Bitok
A number of researches investigating on tourism students’ career choices and course of study selection have been widely documented. However, few studies have been carried out focusing on the process and context in which the Kenyan students make decisions about their careers. The study sought to establish the types of tourism careers sectors preferred by most tourism students, especially for formal employment, informal employment and entrepreneurship. Cognitive Motivational Theory and Attribution Theory which identifies the impact of internal and external factors affecting student career decisions were adopted. This was a descriptive and comparative study that utilized qualitative and quantitative research methodology. From the total population of 660 persons, 192 student respondents were chosen for the study using stratified simple random sampling based on their year of study, and 5 lecturers with over five years experience in teaching were chosen purposively from Moi University (MU) and Kenya Utalii College (KUC). Questionnaires were administered to tourism students and semi-structured interviews to tourism lecturers. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results revealed that a large proportion of students at the diploma level opt to pursue entrepreneurship as compared to the undergraduates who opt for formal employment. This study can be academic and also relevant for policy making in developing countries through unmasking the complexities in designing tourism policies within different socio-economic settings. This research adds to the existing literature, moreso, on sustainability-driven employment and entrepreneurship as perceived by tourism students and developers on their roadmap to achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Market Profiling and Positioning of Park Brands in Kenya (Case of Premium and Under-Utilized Parks
(John Wiley and Sons, 2015) Maingi, S.W.; Ondigi, Alice N.; Wadawi, Joseph Kibuye
The study sought to investigate the market profiling and positioning of park branding in Kenya. Tourism arrivals in Kenya are currently spatially concentrated in only six parks, which receive 81% of the total number of visitors to the country’s 26 wildlife sanctuaries. A descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was adopted. The focus of the study was on four protected areas within the Central Tourism region, Kenya. Cluster analysis indicated that the park brands attracted differentiated cluster segments. The results implied that tourism marketing and promotion ought to design, package and promote the brand differently to meet targeted needs of these segments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guests’ satisfaction with non-classified hotel product: the Kenyan coastal perspective
(AJTHLS Open Access, 2016) Kivuva, A.K.; Ondingi, A.
Non-classified hotels which comprise small hotels and guest houses are important accommodation providers. They offer reasonably affordable hospitality products as compared to classified hotels. Through guest satisfaction, non-classified hotels can achieve repeat business and get new business through word of mouth from previous guests. If they do not provide quality hospitality products, non-classified hotels must be ready to experience low occupancy levels. This study aimed at establishing the levels of guest satisfaction in non-classified hotels. The study site was Mtwapa town in Kilifi County (Kenya) with a population of 25 non-classified hotels. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The research findings indicated that business guests were dissatisfied with non-classified hotel products in Mtwapa town. Issues such as cleanliness, staff professionalism, speed of guest service, recognition of returning guests among others had low satisfaction levels. The study recommends that non-classified hotels operators should put more efforts in providing quality hospitality products to meet guests’ expectations
Relationship between Gender and Proactive Work Behavior in the Kenya’s Hotel Industry
(ResearchGate, 2017) Shirandula, Duncan; Mapelu, Isabella Cheloti; Sepula, Michael
According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics report, (2016), wage employment by industry and sex statistics indicate a majority of males employed in the modern sector than female with accommodation and food service industry registering 71 percent males and 29 percent female employees. This disparity extended to women in national decision-making category, with slight improvement from previous years. Participation of men and women in key decision making positions in the national assembly was at 19.8 per cent of total legislators. The share of female cabinet secretaries declined from 33.3 per cent in 2014 to 25.5 per cent in 2015. The disparities could be attributed to many other factors, among them the employers‟ perceptions on proactive behaviour between gender and gender role expectations. The purpose of this research paper was to test the difference in proactive work behaviour between the male and female employees working in Nairobi business hotels. The study employed a co-relational research design. From a target population of 190 front line employees, 127 formed the sample size for the study. Primary data was gathered from employees by use of self-administered questionnaires while secondary data was gathered from relevant books, hotel records, journals, publications and the internet. Reliability of data was tested using Cronbach‟s Alpha resulting in a value 0.804. One way ANOVA test was conducted to test the differences in proactive work behavior between male employees and their female counterparts. The findings of this study do not show a difference in proactive work behaviour between male and female employees (F 1.312; p˃0.05). Based on the combination of literature review with the results of this study, it is clear that gender does not restrain proactive behaviour at work. Adoption of work practices which support gender parity can offer a good first step towards innovation and being proactive at work place. Being “nice” to women by opening doors and offering to pay their bills, does not make women feel included. There is need to do more by reflecting on work patterns and policies so as to entrench measures which provide in-depth support of gender parity at work places.The researcher recommends that tourism and hospitality policy makers and regulators should develop national policies on employment which encourage flagship initiatives on gender equality as a key priority

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