PHD-School of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Studies

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This collections contains bibliographic information and abstracts of PHD theses and dissertation in the School of Hospitality & Tourism held in Kenyatta University Library

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Application of community participation paradigm in the care of children orphaned by HIV and AIDs in Kibera Division, Nairobi, Kenya.
(Kenyatta University, 2004-11) Akunga, Alice Bonareri
Literature reviewed indicates that community care programmes have been initiated to support children orphaned by HIV and AIDS. These children suffer from various problems, including loss of family, depression, malnutrition, lack of access to education and healthcare; loss of property and inheritance; abuse and increased exposure to HIV and AIDS. However, there is no information on gender relationship in their needs, care, and problems faced. There is also no information on community participation in the care programmes assisting orphaned children, and the success of these community programmes in meeting orphan needs. Neither is there any information on the relationships between the orphans being supported by these community care programmes and those without any support, issues that this study sought to address. This study applied community participation paradigm in community care programmes providing care to HIV and AIDS orphans in Kibera Location, Nairobi, Kenya. This paradigm emphasizes and strengthens the role of the community in community programmes. It emphasizes that involvement of the community members in planning and implementation of these programmes enhances ownership and therefore leads to success of these programmes. The study is also supported by the double ABCX model, which describes factors that account for differences in family capability to achieve a new level of balance at both the individual family and the family-community level over time after a situation affecting the family occurs. The study therefore sought to establish community participation in care programmes, as well as the success of these programmes in meeting the needs of orphans. A random sample of 219 orphans and caregivers (55 from a community care programme and 164 not under the programme); 11 community leaders and 13 community care programme leaders in Kibera Location, Nairobi, was surveyed using interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of this study showed that orphan needs for food, clothing, medical care, shelter, education and psychosocial support are not adequately provided for. Findings further showed that the orphans experienced a number of problems, including hunger, inadequate shelter and clothing; being overworked, beaten and quarrelled. The results further indicate that very few caregivers were involved in community care projects. For instance, only 5% of caregivers were involved in planning the activities of community care programmes, while only 2.7% are involved in decision-making. Additionally, very few (17.3%) of caregivers were involved in carrying out activities of the community care programmes, which mostly involves reaching out to orphans and offering home based care and support. At the same time, only 6.8% of caregivers made contributions towards supporting community care programmes. Overall, 56.2% of the caregivers felt that community care programmes were not sufficiently meeting orphan needs, hence.not successful, while only 8.2% felt that the programmes were successful in .meeting needs of orphans. The rest, 35.6%, felt that the needs of orphans were fairly sufficiently met. There were significant relationships between gender of orphans and assistance required in school fees, with more girls requiring support in school fees. Significant relationships were also observed between orphans in and out of the project and problems of hunger, inadequate clothing and being overworked. The majority of orphans out of the project were overworked. Correlation results show success of community care programmes and, the number of orphans, support provided, needs and problems of the ophans and problems experienced by caregivers. Community participation variables also showed significant relationship with success of community care programmes. The study findings further show that the number of HIV and AIDS orphans and number of problems experienced by caregivers are predictors of success of community care programmes. Based on the findings of this study, there is a need for programmes designed to assist orphans to have an integrated approach towards assisting orphans, thereby striving to XVI provide for all their needs adequately and checking against any abuses. There is also a need to design programmes to support caregivers and communities affected particularly those without any assistance. In addition, it is important to involve the communities and in particular caregivers in the activities of the community care programmes. It is also important to establish home based care support programmes, establish orphan support networks and advise and encourage parents who are infected with IllV and AIDS to engage and discuss with their children about their future.
Choice of Hotel Facilities by Guests with Physical Disabilities in Nairobi, Kenya
(2014-03-06) Murungi, Charles Muthamia; Khayiya, Rosemarie Ayuma; Ondigi, Alice N.
As effort is made to boost tourism in the country, hotels and tourism planners must identify areas with growth potential or identify niche markets as a potential new source of tourists both locally and internationally. Persons with disabilities comprise one such market. This study sought to find out priority considerations in the choice or preference of hotel facilities by PWPDs in Nairobi and in the process identify the unfulfilled gaps in product and service delivery so as to make hotels friendlier and more sensitive to guests with disabilities. The study had seven objectives namely; to determine experiences of guests with physical disabilities when using hotel products and services; to establish attitudes and perceptions held by guests with physical disabilities towards hotels, their products and services; to find out whether persons with physical disabilities experience any discrimination in Kenyan hotels and responses to discrimination by persons with physical disabilities; to determine credibility of sources of information as perceived by persons with physical disabilities while sourcing for hotel products and services; to categorize challenges faced by persons with physical disabilities while using hotel products and services; to find out social motivations of persons with physical disabilities while using hotel products and services and lastly to determine best predictor variables for choice or preference of hotel facilities by PWPDs. A cross sectional survey design was adopted for this survey which was conducted in the County of Nairobi; Kenya. The population under study covered persons with physical disabilities. A total of 356 usable participant surveys out of the targeted 361 were analyzed yielding a response rate of 98.6%. The study utilized semi-structured questionnaires and personal interviews to obtain data. Data analysis involved quantitative techniques for data analysis which was a combination of various descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to measure the strength of linear dependence between each variable used in the study and the choice or preference of hotel. Multiple Regression was used to determine predictor variables influencing choice or preference of hotel facilities by persons with physical disabilities in Nairobi. It was found that majority of the survey respondents had positive experiences while visiting hotels in the country and that many of them did not feel discriminated against by hotels (p-value <0.001); it was also found that persons with physical disabilities in Kenyan hotels were still not in a position to fully participate in leisure activities when visiting hotels due to lack of upgraded sports equipment (p-value <0.00l). Findings also revealed that persons with physical disabilities found Kenyan hotels to be ignorant in terms of arrangements needed for and knowledge of persons with disabilities (p-value <0.001). Findings also indicated that previous experience was the most credible source of information closely followed by recommendations from friends with similar disabilities. Findings also revealed attitudes of managers and staff to be the most difficult challenge for persons with physical disabilities while using hotel products and services and that visiting family and friends were the most important social motivator. Three (3) factors namely information sources, challenges faced by persons with disabilities and interventions by the Government and hoteliers pertaining matters with a bearing on PWDs (all at a p-value <0.001) were the best predictor variables that influenced the choice or preference of hotel facilities by persons with physical disabilities.
Contribution of Educational Tourists’ Consumer Behaviour to Sustainable Tourism Development in Selected Universities in Nairobi Metropolis, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-04) Jebet, Bitok Jane
Educational tourism enables potential learners to acquire new knowledge from programmes in foreign locations. Educational tourism started with the wealthy and upper class in Europe with participants engaging in study tours for many years in European countries between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. In recent years students are taken from Europe other parts of Europe, South pacific, Middle East, Africa and to all major attractions globally. Africa has a high potential of this market due to its rich biodiversity and beautiful varied scenery. The programmes include outbound, faculty-led study abroad programmes. The students were referred to as international, overseas or foreign. Africa recognizes educational tourism as a promising niche‟ market segment to cushion out the fluctuating numbers of other market segments. The region receives about 14% foreign scholars yearly to add to those existing in their institutions of learning. Kenya receives approximately 50,000 of the students distributed as 1% admissions to public universities and 12% to private universities, a constant 200,000 international students annually. The study purposed to establish the contribution of educational tourists‟ consumer behaviour on sustainable tourism development in Nairobi metropolis, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; evaluate the effects of the consumer behaviour of educational tourists, determine their understanding of sustainable tourism, find out tourist activity options available for them and the effects of consumer behaviour and their activity options on sustainable tourism development in Kenya. This study used the survey design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data and the mixed method model. 345 international students, 6 heads of ISLCs and 15 representatives of CBTOs were sampled from a target population of 2890 respondents. Open and close ended questionnaire, an interview guide and a focus group discussion were used to collect data. Pretesting was done to reduce errors on the variables. Validity of factor loadings >0.5 were accepted and a Cronbach alpha coefficient of >0.7 was accepted for the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, Chi-square, other cross tabulations and regression. Data was presented through tables, charts, graphs and qualitative reporting. The response rate for questionnaires was 330 at 95.7%, 6 interview guides at 100% and 12 focus group discussions at 86.7%. The first null hypothesis was rejected after Chi-square tests were carried out on 12 consumer factors where; 11 factors yielded P<0.05. The second null hypothesis was also rejected when a summary crosstab was generated on the understanding of sustainable tourism by educational tourists at 0.019 (P<0.05) on the average rate of responses from the social-cultural, economic and environmental impacts. The respondents felt that the activity options available influenced the understanding of sustainable tourism environment as indicated by the impacts on the environment at 0.029 (P<0.05) and the economic impacts at 0.301 (P>0.05). A regression model indicated the P-value for the model was 0.000 (P<0.05). This study concludes that the consumer behaviour of international students is significant in determining the choice of destination by the students. Strong policies should govern sustainable tourism practices. Kenya‟s institutions of higher learning should improve and increase the hostel capacity within its campuses. Tourism as a course should be incorporated in all levels of study curricular in Kenya.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty in the application of the all-inclusive holiday concept at the Kenyan Coast
(2012-04-12) Mutisya, Mary M.
All-inclusive holidays can be defined as those where all travel, accommodation and a substantial amount of food and drink, together with activities such as entertainment, trips or sports coaching are included in a pre-paid price while booking. The all-inclusive holiday concept was first introduced in the in 1840s, and later re-emerged in the 1930s. The concept exploded in the Caribbean in the 1950s and was introduced in Africa in the 1980s. An explosion of the concept was later realised along coastal strips in the late 1990s. At its inception, the all-inclusive concept was a fundamentally different holiday where a guest had to carry no form of currency, paper, coin or plastic to a hotel, resort or while on a cruise. With time it was realised that the application of the all-inclusive concept had been modified and varied from the original. Due to its modification, the validity and efficacy of the concept has been questioned particularly with regard to service procedures, professionalism of the personnel employed, value for money, quality of food, drink and accommodation offered; quality of tourists it attracts, and the spillover effects to the host country. The general objective of this research was to analyse the all-inclusive holiday concept as applied in Kenya. To achieve this, the study used four specific objectives to profile the application of all-inclusive practices, assess service delivery versus customer expectations, identify important attributes to customer delight and assess the relationship between customer delight and customer loyalty. The study reviewed literature on the all-inclusive holiday concept across different countries; customer satisfaction, delight and loyalty. The study used a conceptual model, theoretical model and operational model to link theory to practice. The theoretical models used were the SERVQUAL Model, Expectancy Disconfrrmation Model and Kano's Satisfaction Model. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect information from the vacational hotels at the Kenyan coast. Purposeful and stratified systematic sampling techniques were used. A sample size Of 209 respondents was obtained. The research instruments were questionnaires, interviews and observations. The data analysis involved use of descriptive statistics where frequencies, content analysis, the servqual research instrument and factor analysis were used to identify the correlations among variables. Hypotheses were tested using t-test, chi square and non-parametric correlations. The findings of the study show customer satisfaction level averaging between satisfactory to fairly satisfactory. Further, there was a discrepancy between customer expectations and customer perceptions. A linear relationship between customer delight and customer relationship was established. For the concept to remain viable in Kenya, the current mode of its application and marketing needed to be revised. The study proposes a new approach to marketing and applying the all-inclusive concept. Such an approach would involve the intervention of the Ministry of Tourism and the local hospitality practitioners. The study suggested further studies to compare and benchmark the application of the holiday concept with other parts of the world including the Caribbean Islands where the concept is well-grounded.
Determinants of Active Transportation among 10 – 12 Year Old School Children in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2020-08) Onyango, Sylvester William Hayker
Active Transportation (AT) contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing among children and youth. This benefit can in turn be carried over to adulthood. AT is an important factor in increasing levels of physical activity (PA) in children. The objectives of this study were to; assess AT to school and other destinations, determine barriers of AT to school and other destinations, examine the effects of socio-economic status on AT, determine difference in pedometer step count data and analyse difference in pedometer Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) rates data for 10 – 12 year old children in high socio-economic status (HSES), mid socio-economic status (MSES) and low socio-economic status (LSES) regions in Nairobi City County. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used to determine the participation in AT and resultant PA rates. Stratified random sampling was used to get 1,200 school children (boys and girls) aged 10 – 12 year old. Of the number sampled, 877 returned complete parental conscent forms and duly filled questionnaires, attaining a response rate of 78.2%. Data on PA and MVPA was collected using PiezoRx® pedometer sets while data on AT, demographic characteristics, parents and children’s views collected through questionnaires. Chi-square test was used to compare the children’s responses on AT as well as rates of PA. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Test was used to ascertain difference in PA and MVPA across regions in Nairobi City County. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant in the testing of hypotheses. Majority of the children 629 (71.7%) walked to and from school while 1 (0.1%) rode a bicycle to and from school. More children in LSES used AT to and from school and other destinations than the children from MSES and HSES. AT to and from school showed strong statistical association significance across the three regions of Nairobi City County. Safety affected AT choice more for children in LSES 214 (24.4%) than MSES 357 (40.7%) and HSES 306 (34.9%). Among the socioeconomic factor indicators, only the level of education of a parent/guardian and family ownership of vehicles determined the children’s choice of transport mode. Ownership of motorcycles and/or bicycles had no significant difference on the children’s choice of transportation mode. Most children achieved the recommended pedometer step counts on the first day x̅=13,502.43 and a weekly x̅=12,490.53 of wearing the pedometer. The study recommends that Nairobi City County in liaison with all stakeholders develop interventions for increasing AT among school going children. This should be done by developing safe routes to school, walking and cycling programmes that ensure local environment of schools’ catchment regions provide opportunities for children to walk and cycle. The results from this research may inform policy formulation on development of future school transportation systems and physical characteristics of schools.
The Determinants of Collaboration and Partnerships Arrangements in Tourism Development among Industry Organisations in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2015) Kariuki, Albert Chege
Collaboration and partnerships arrangements among stakeholder organisations are among the central themes of sustainable tourism development in destinations. These collaborative arrangements have become critical as a result of the realisation that, no single stakeholder organisation can dictate the future of this dynamic and often fragmented industry, more so especially in relationship to study area, the Nairobi County. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder collaboration and partnerships arrangements among tourism industry organisations as a tool of enhancing tourism development in Kenya. Specific objectives were; to determine the scope of collaborative arrangements that exists among stakeholder organisations in tourism development, to examine the intensity of the relations that exists in different collaborative arrangements among tourism organisations and their influence on tourism development, to evaluate the prerequisites of effective collaborative arrangements among stakeholder tourism organisation and to explore the potential for Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a model of collaborative arrangements among tourism organisations in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed method research design, and specifically QUAL + quan mixed method design type. The population of the study was thirty three stakeholder organisations in Kenya. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative primary data collection methods, using semi-structured interviews, participant observation and questionnaires as data collection instruments. Secondary data was collected through content analysis of various books, journals and websites. The secondary data analysis process started at the beginning of the research and involved a critical review of literature mainly from journals, books, various government and private sector organisations documents and reports. Primary quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in frequencies, percentages, charts and cross tabulation. Further, primary data was subjected to inferential statistics using correlation and chi square tests. The finding of the study shows that, the existing collaboration and partnerships arrangements in tourism industry in Kenya are not well structured and designed, and have not achieved acceptable thresholds as model of collaborative arrangements. The study recommends the adoption of formal PPPs models as the best practice of collaborative arrangements in tourism development in Kenya.
The efficacy of park branding in influencing choice behavior of tourists to Kenyan parks
(2014-08) Maingi, Shem Wambugu
Kenya‟s tourism sector remains relatively underdeveloped, compared to other destinations globally, in terms of number of tourists, yield and diversity of experience. As a result, there was need to assess the efficacy of the Vision 2030 park branding initiative as a means of influencing consumer markets positively in premium & under-utilized in Kenya as a key issue of concern in research, policy and practice. Specifically, the key objectives of the study were to profile choice behaviour of tourists visiting branded parks in Kenya; to examine antecedent factors influencing tourists‟ choice behaviour; to evaluate tourists‟ perceptions of park brands in Kenya and their choice behaviour and to explore the influence of brand personalities on choice behaviour of tourists to Kenyan parks. The study was undertaken by way of a cross-sectional descriptive survey of tourists visiting a clustered sample of branded national parks in Kenya. Two-stage cluster sampling technique was adopted in coming up with a representative sample. Primary data was collected through questionnaire responses from an estimated 385 tourists visiting the parks. Findings based on the first objective indicated that the parks attracted different segments of tourists. These segments were classified as either primary or secondary segments. Hierarchical Cluster analysis showed significant predictors within each cluster segments. Based on the second objective, Choice of Nairobi National Park was significantly influenced by the state of roads and infrastructure, travel agency recommendations, local culture, reference from tour operators, and accommodation quality. As for Lake Nakuru National Park, choice was significantly determined by travel agency recommendations, information on the web, cost of holiday and accommodation quality. Choice of Hell‟s Gate National Park was significantly influenced by the state of roads and infrastructure, references from tour operators and accommodation quality. In terms of the external tourist perceptions to the park brands, Tourists‟ brand perception of Hell‟s Gate National Park significantly influenced brand differentiation as well as revisit intentions positively. As for Lake Nakuru National Park, the tourists‟ park brand perception moderately influenced revisit intentions. There was very strong evidence to suggest that in Nairobi National Park, tourists‟ perception of the park brand significantly influenced brand differentiation, recommendation and revisit intentions of tourists. As for Aberdares, there was strong evidence to suggest that the park brand perception significantly influenced recommendation and revisit intentions though it did not significantly influence brand differentiation. Results on objective four indicated that Lake Nakuru National Park brand personality significantly and negatively influenced brand differentiation. Nairobi National Park brand personality significantly and positively influenced all behavioral intentions of consumers i.e. revisit, recommendation and differentiation. Hell‟s Gate National Park showed a significant degree of brand salience. The park‟s brand personality did not significantly influence brand differentiation, recommendation and revisit decisions of tourists. Aberdares National Park brand personality did not significantly influence brand differentiation, recommendation intentions and revisit intentions. Generally, the findings showed that there were five key aspects of the brand that were critical in determining choice i.e. connection to personal/demographic factors, contextual factors, internal park brand personality, external park brand perception as well as brand awareness. Therefore, there is a need to enhance the nature of their experiences and post-visit intentions by responding with a branding strategy that differentiates the parks and enhances the brand identity as well as association. This study recommends the need for the park brand‟s personality and (or) uniqueness be revealed better through marketing concepts that are linked to historical, ecological, socio-cultural values of the park. This way, the park‟s brand personality could positively influence choice behavior of targeted market segments. There is also need for tourism stakeholders to apply a targeted brand communication policy to key segments. It is also important that tourism policy addresses the need to develop a coherent and sustained information promotion of KWS park brands based on market needs, at the international, regional, national, county and city level.
Employee Retention Factors on Career Sustainability in Travel and Tour Companies in Mombasa County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2019-01) Bitok, Kipkosgei
Career sustainability studies are gaining momentum especially on how employees can develop ways to achieve them. Employees in organizations that have mechanisms for employee retention can experience higher career sustainability. However, there is limited literature that can provide more understanding on the link between employee retention and career sustainability. The tourism organizations are also facing a challenge in holding their best employees in order to keep trend with the current competition. The specific objectives of this study were to establish the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on career sustainability, to assess the effect of employee retention strategies on career sustainability in the travel and tour companies, and to establish the moderating effect of employee engagement on the relationship between employee retention and career sustainability among employees in the travel and tour companies. This study was grounded on Super’s Self-Concept Theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. The target population was comprised of 2,800 employees from 121 tour operator companies and 40 travel agent companies in the county. Using mixed research methods; stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents to participate in the study. Interview schedules were conducted on 20 human resource managers and questionnaires administered to 350 tours and travel agency company employees. Four questionnaires were not filled fully, thus 346 fully filled questionnaires were used in the analysis. Descriptive statistics indicated that the male gender was highly represented at 62% than the females owing to the high number of tour guides who are predominantly male. The means from the analysis of career sustainability factors showed that employees have more desire to achieve success in their career [3.63], and improve their income [3.65]. Correlations of intrinsic factors and career sustainability indicated that employees with challenging job tasks [r = 0.572, n = 346, p<0.05] and freedom to make and implement own decisions [r = 0.641, n = 346, p<0.05] had a higher career sustainability. Content analysis showed that career sustainability would highly improve when employees are provided with commendations for completing tasks in time (5) and having good working relationships with their supervisors or co-workers (7). Multivariate regression was used to analyze the quantitative data and all the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternative hypotheses accepted. The study findings showed that intrinsic motivation factors [r = 0.651, n = 346, p = 0.000] and employee retention strategies [r = 0.788, n = 346, p = 0.000] have a stronger influence on career sustainability than extrinsic motivations [r = 0.615, n = 346, p = 0.000]. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that employee engagement has a moderator influence on the relationship between employee retention and career sustainability [r = 0.667, n = 346, p=0.000]. The study recommends that tour operator and travel agent company employees should be intrinsically motivated with challenging work that center on short-term wins, and be extrinsically motivated through forging effective interpersonal working relationships with their supervisors, peers and subordinates. This study provides a platform for policy makers to assess and compare levels of career sustainability among employees in the tours and travel sector with other sectors in the tourism industry in Kenya.
Factors Influencing Employee Retention in the Hospitality Industry in North-West Region of Nigeria
(Kenyatta University, 2017-10) Matazu, Muntari Ado
Employee retention is one of the main challenges faced by hospitality industry. In today’s growing competitive global economy, retaining the intellectuals is one of major concern encountered by most industries. However, it still remains one of the understudied issues by the organizations and human resource. Generally the employees leave the organization because of the job dissatisfaction of pay, job interest, job attractiveness, pleasant working condition, nature of job, job enrichment, work environment, good managerial relations, promotion opportunities, co-workers recognition, job fairness and treatment, employee selection, training and development, as well as several other variables are of great influence on the extent to which industry can retain graduate employees. This current study examined the influence of motivational factors on graduates’ perception as they relate to employee retention in the hospitality industry in North-West region of Nigeria. Four specific objectives guided this study. Firstly, to identify the relationship between organizational practices and employee retention, secondly, to find out how human resource management practices influence employee retention, thirdly to determine the rate of employee turnover, and finally, to determine motivational predictor variables influencing employee retention in the hospitality industry in North-West Region, Nigeria. The study adopted cross-sectional exploratory research design, employing both quantitative and qualitative approach in form of survey, with data being gathered via two identical likert scale type self- administered questionnaires and focus group discussions guides for graduates working in the hospitality industry and those who already left the industry. The study was subjected to 5 hypothetical statements that were designed to give solutions to the research problems. This research used Exponential non-discriminative snowball sample of 266 employed graduate as participants who graduated from five institutions offering hospitality and related courses between 2010 and 2014. The research found that there were positive correlation between the motivational factors and employee retention in the hospitality industry which was statistically tested (p< 0.05). Findings also indicated that about 30 percent of employed graduates were found already left their employment within a period of five years. The most important motivational factors were ‘good pay,’ ‘job security,’ and ‘Promotion opportunities.’ Exploring the motivational predictor variables of employee retention, this research contributes that ‘Pay’ and ‘promotion opportunity’ are ranked among the high predictors of employee retention followed by ‘employee selection’ and ‘work fairness’. Overall, the results demonstrated that employed graduates in the hospitality industry had low level of motivation that lead to employee retention. It was reiterated that highly motivated employees posed positive perception and tend to stay on their jobs, while poorly motivated employees developed negative perception and quit. Therefore, the study recommends hospitality industry should ensure proper motivation in terms of monetary and non monetary incentives because study shows that graduates require both monetary and non monetary motivations to remain in the industry.
Food safety and hygiene practices: a comparative study of selected technical and vocational education and training and university hospitality schools in Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2016-06) Wandolo, Monica Akinyi
Food is a basic human need that plays a vital role in the sustenance of life. Its safety, however, has become a major concern to the food industry given that the consumption of contaminated food and water contributes to a myriad of health problems the world over. Although food prepared and served at the restaurants may look clean and taste delicious, it may have been contaminated by biological, chemical or physical hazards during the preparation procedures from the source through to service. Food workshops (kitchens) are viewed as the major sources of contaminations from poor sourcing and handling practices which include undercooking, poor personal hygiene, and use of unclean equipment, inappropriate storage and incorrect holding temperatures. Despite extensive investment in training of food handling personnel, food-borne diseases remain a contentious problem to both developed and developing nations. The general objective of this study was to compare food safety and hygiene practices in training colleges to ascertain their capacity in training food safety and hygiene practices. The specific objectives included to compare the level of hygiene awareness in Technical Industrial Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TVET) and University hospitality Schools, to compare food-handling practices between TVET and University hospitality schools, to establish their capacity in offering food safety and hygiene practices, to assess the applicability of HACCP pre-requisites, to determine barriers to food safety and hygiene practices in these institutions and more importantly, to determine the microbial load of vegetables served from these institutions. Hospitality training encompasses appropriate food handling procedures, careful selection of food source and use of correct equipment, proper storage, proper cleaning procedures and proper management of food waste. All University hospitality schools and food and beverage departments in TVET colleges were considered as reliable sources of information. Accordingly, the target population included both students and heads of these departments. The instruments used to collect data included questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists, photographs and focus group discussions. An observation checklist was used to assess good hygiene practices (GHP) particularly in the training workshops. Both descriptive and inferential procedures were used in data analysis and hypotheses. Chi-square was also used to test the independence of various samples. Both paired t-test and one sample t-tests were used to test for equality of various study variables in the two institution categories. All tests were performed at 95% confidence level . For microbial tests , Samples of spinach , coleslaw and mace͂ dione of vegetables (n=36) from these institutions were analysed in the laboratory to determine the microbial load, aerobic plate count and coliform. Finally, to determine the barriers to food safety, a multiple regression analysis was undertaken. The study established that the levels of awareness varied across the institutions. Out of the total number of students, 17% were not aware of HACCP principles. Institutions had no safety guidelines therefore no operational standards were followed. The study revealed that institutions were not adequately equipped, and the HACCP prerequisites were not used in most of the institutions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that lack of resources posed a serious threat to food safety and hygienic practices. The isolation of E.coli, salmonella and pseudomonas confirmed that food safety in the institutions was compromised. This study therefore recommended that HACCP food safety system be introduced in all hospitality training institutions as a measure against food contamination.
Food Safety Management Systems Orientation and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System Uptake by Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2021) Chege, Peninah Wanjiku; Moses Miricho; Bichage Gesage
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is an important food safety management system that most food production entities across the world endeavor to implement. In spite of this, a review of extant literature on food safety management reveals that the successful adoption of the HACCP system faces a number of challenges regarding its management and implementation. The barriers to effective execution of HACCP system vary from country to country and from one hospitality sector to another. The general objective of this study was to establish the influence of food safety management systems orientation on HACCP system uptake in star rated hotels in Nairobi City County given the moderating effect of a set of contextual factors namely food safety regulations, market forces, size of the hotel, management commitment and funding level. The specific objectives of the study were to assess the following aspects within the four and five star-rated hotels in Nairobi City County: i) the influence of employee behaviors towards HACCP system on HACCP system uptake; ii) the influence of employee attitudes towards HACCP system on HACCP system uptake; iii) the influence of employee knowledge of HACCP system on HACCP system uptake; iv) the moderating effect of contextual factors on the relationship between employee food safety management systems orientation and HACCP system uptake and lastly v) the effect of the contextual factors on HACCP system uptake in the four and five star rated hotels in Nairobi City County. Corresponding null hypotheses were also set for empirical assessment. The study was guided by the logical positivism philosophy of research and adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. Quantitative data was successfully collected from a total of 33 executive chefs and 255 chefs who constituted the study units/respondents of the study from 16 out of the targeted 22 four and five star rated hotels in Nairobi City County. In addition, qualitative data was collected from a total of 16 Food and Beverage Managers through an interview schedule with one manager being interviewed from each of the 16 hotels. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statics, regression analysis and partial correlations while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study results established a significantly positive relationship between employee behaviors and attitudes towards HACCP system and the star rated hotels’ HACCP system uptake. The study further found that that contextual factors direct influence on the hotels’ HACCP system uptake was significantly positive for size of the hotel, management commitment and adequacy of HACCP system funding while market forces effect on HACCP system uptake was found to be significantly negative. When the moderating effect of the contextual factors on the relationship between food safety orientation and HACCP system uptake by the star rated hotels in Nairobi City County was assessed, it was established that food safety regulations, market forces, size of the hotel and management commitment had a significantly negative influence on this relationship. Although the study had certain limitations, it nonetheless offers opportunities for future research. In addition, the study provides important recommendations to hotel managers and other food production industry practitioners on requisite considerations when implementing HACCP system in addition to advancing the frontiers of knowledge on the concept of food safety management in general and HACCP system in particular.
Governing Landscapes through Partnerships: Lessons from Amboseli, Kenya
(Wageningen University, 2021) Mugo, Tabitha Njeri
This study focuses on the Kenyan Amboseli landscape, which comprises the Amboseli National Park and six neighbouring Maasai community Group Ranches, namely Mbirikani, Kuku, Kimana, Eselengei, Ologulului-Ololorashi Ologulului, and Rombo. Over the past five decades, Amboseli has been facing persistent conservation and development challenges. These include changing land tenure and land-use; humanwildlife conflicts (HWCs); poaching of wildlife; unplanned and uncoordinated development; loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats; inadequate and unequal benefits for local communities; high levels of poverty; and a conservation-development nexus policy void. To mitigate these challenges, various policy interventions, mostly in the form of varied partnership arrangements between actors drawn from communities, governments, market, and conservation organizations, have been initiated – with mixed outcomes. This thesis specifically explores two landscape-wide partnerships, the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) and the Big Life Foundation (BLF). The Amboseli Ecosystem Trust is a landscape-based partnership that seeks to bring together governmental agencies, communities, private investors, and civil society with the aim of simultaneously achieving conservation and development goals. The Big Life Foundation (BLF), a partner and member of the AET’s Board of Trustees and the successor of the Maasailand Preservation Trust (MPT), is a partnership between the Mbirikani Group Ranch community members and a tourism investor-based conservation NGO. BLF’s projects cover a large part of the Amboseli landscape in Kenya and adjacent areas in northern Tanzania....
Health hazards and working conditions on the safety of housekeeping staff in budget hotels in eastern region of Ghana
(Kenyatta University, 2018-07) Siaw, Gladys Apreh
This study explored the health hazards and working conditions of housekeepers in Budget Hotels in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It was carried out with the aim of improving occupational health and safety in the study area. Many studies globally have classified hotel housekeepers among the high risk group based on the International Labor Standards on Occupational Safety and Health. To address these concerns, the study explored the risk and hazard factors affecting the health and safety of housekeeping staff of budget hotels in the Eastern Region of Ghana and to determine the conditions under which such staff work in the study area with the aim of bridging the knowledge gap and to improve on management practices of such injuries. The study is guided by the Epidemiologic Model and the Risk Factor of Work Places Injury and Illness Model development of the Great Lake Center for Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. A total of 428 housekeeping staff were drawn from 107 budget hotels using simple random sampling method. The hotels were also sampled by employing the lottery method to select one – third out of the total population of hotels in the Eastern Region. Methodological triangulation using self-completion questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedules were used to collect data. Pre-testing of the research instruments was carried out in seven budget hotels in the Eastern Region of Ghana that were excluded while carrying out the final data collection, thus facilitating the implementation of necessary corrections. The content validity technique was used to assess how well the research instruments fit the purpose for which they are designed. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to assess the reliability of the research instruments and yielded alpha of 0.89. For data analysis, frequencies and percentages were utilized to summarize the demographic profile of respondents. Descriptive statistical analyses such as percentages, mean scores, frequencies and cross tabulation were used to analyze quantitative data in line with the research objectives. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the moderating effects of the social demographics factors in relationship between working conditions and work safety. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the best predictor variables for management of health hazards affecting safety of housekeeping staff and for hypothesis testing. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data by transcribing the audio-recorded interviews to derive the specific core themes of the study. The study revealed that poor working conditions (R = .773, R2.= .598, p<.001) and the high risk of hazards (R = .718, R2.= .516, p<.001) were found to have significant positive correlation with work safety and have negative effects on the health of the housekeepers leading to bodily pains, musculoskeletal disorders, injuries and infections. Finding revealed that of all the predictor variables, the factor with the highest effect of managing health hazards on work safety was inadequate experts to conduct hazard analysis (β =.258, p<0.001). It was concluded that housekeepers working in deplorable conditions as well as poor health outcomes are very significant in influencing work safety. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Tourism and GTA should organize regular training to maintain operational standards among budget hotels through specific training in areas of operations which are in line with national and international standards.
Hotel General Managers Perception of Factors Related to Women Career Progression in the Hospitality Industry at the Coast Region of Kenya.
(2014-03-06) Nzioka, Alice Mueni; Ondigi, Alice N.; Khayiya, Rosemarie Ayuma
This study was a descriptive survey and the research methods employed included both quantitative and qualitative. The study was conducted in the coastal region of Kenya. Records held by the Kenya Association of Hotel keepers and Caterers indicate that out of sixty six (66) hotel general managers for classified hotels at the coast region of Kenya only (3) 4% of women are in top management positions. The study sought to determine the factors that affect women career progression in the hospitality industry and the hotel's general managers' perceptions of such factors then determine whether the perception of the hotel general managers affects women career progression in the hospitality industry in Kenya. The literature outlined the theories that relate to women's career progression, discussed the role of women managers in the hospitality industry and reviewed previous studies on the factors that affect women's career progression. The population for this study comprised hotel general managers, departmental heads and supervisors from classified hotels at the coast and classified hotel owners operating hotel businesses at the coast region of Kenya. The study employed stratified random sampling technique and the respondents were purposively selected. The sample size for this study was thirty seven men and three women general managers, forty three female hotel departmental managers and supervisors and three chain hotel owners. To establish validity and reliability of the instruments a pretest was conducted and the coefficient of internal consistency-the split-half reliability method was used. The study used questionnaire; Focus Group Discussions and Personal Interview methods to collect data. Descriptive statistics, Content analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regressions were used for data analysis. This study identified Job related characteristics, Socio-cultural and organizational factors, work and family conflicts and gender discrimination as the factors that affect women's career progression in the hospitality industry in the coast region of Kenya. Job related characteristics had significant positive relationship with work and gender discrimination r = 0.991, p
Household food security and dietary micronutrient intake among mothers in Mwea West sub County, Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(2017-01) Mugambi, Rahab Muthoni
Household food security has been the subject of many studies, majority of them focusing on members of the household other than women. The purpose of this study was to investigate household’s food security status and dietary micronutrient intake. It targeted mothers. The study was carried out in dry and wet seasons in Kangai and Mutithi locations of Mwea West Sub County, Kenya. Data were collected on socio demographics/ economics characteristics of the mothers as well as their food access and consumption behaviors, dietary intake of Vitamin A, iron, and zinc and risk factors for micronutrients utilization. The study design was cross sectional survey while data collecting instruments included a structured questionnaire and a meal preparation observation guide. Sampling techniques included probability proportionate to population and random walk and quarter to select the respondents. Data were coded, edited and analyzed using SPSS software. The findings were presented in tables, bars and pie charts while inferential statistics were used to test hypotheses. Health Canada’s, Household Food Security Survey Model (HFSSM) was used to compute food security status; Food Consumption Score tool was used to compute acceptable , borderline and poor categories of dietary intake of micronutrients and National Nutrient Data base for Standard Reference, Release 26 Software v.1.4, to compute nutrient content in foods. The food access and consumption behaviors and the dietary intake of micronutrients were found to be significantly different in the two locations (p < 0.05). An analysis of foods prepared indicated that Kangai mothers had less deficit (iron -3.9 mg, zinc -1.8mg) than Mutithi ones (iron – 9.5mg, zinc -4.1 mg). On the whole, mothers did not meet the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Vitamin A, iron and zinc, while food consumption score ( FCS ) tool showed that 33% (from Kangai) and 51% (from Mutithi) were categorized with poor dietary micronutrient intake . The study showed a significant difference in exposure to factors that impact on micronutrient utilization, between the two locations (p < 0.05). The conclusion was that mothers from Kangai had better socio economic status, were less food insecure, and had better dietary micro nutrient intake than the Mutithi ones, but were more exposed to risk factors for micronutrient utilization. The study concluded that 55% of Mutithi mothers were severely food insecure while 21% of Kangai ones were in similar category. On the whole, 39% of the study mothers were food secure, 21% were moderately insecure, while 40% were severely food insecure. The study concluded that mothers in the two studied locations experience chronic food insecurity and hence recommended interventions for the 40% of severely food insecure mothers through provision of clean drinking water, and facilitation with irrigation water to increase food production.
Influence of gambling on casino employees’ behaviour in Nairobi County, Kenya
(2017-07) Kinuthia, Teresa Wangui
Casinos globally generate profits for the owners and other stakeholders andincrease the overall Gross Domestic Product of a country as a result of fees generated from licensing and imposed taxes of operation.In Africa, the casino market is developing rapidly and is in a major evolution. South Africa has forty five licensed casinos followed by Kenya with thirty one. Nairobi County has witnessed an upsurge in the number of casinos in the recent times, 55% of the casinos in Kenya are in Nairobi County. This growth represents equal economic benefits which include generation of the much needed employment.However, its negative impact on the employees remains a concern. It is worth noting that exposure to gambling, work environment and casino patrons‟predisposescasino employees to problem gambling. Frontline employees must familiarize themselves with gambling simply to perform their job. This exposure may tempt them to gamble due to distorted views about winning, seeing gamblers win and being caught up in the excitement of wins.The general objective of the study was to establish whether gambling in casinos influences employees‟ gambling behavior and to what extent. The specific objectives were, to explore whether the casino work environment has an impact on the employees gambling and socio-economic behavior. It also sought to establish availability and effectiveness of staff training in responsible gambling. Remedies/treatments available for problem gamblersin Nairobi County were also identified. The theory that underpinned this study was prospect theory. The study adopted cross-sectional survey research design and collected both qualitative and quantitative data. The sample size was 247 employees. Questionnaires were used to gather data from the casino employee, which was presented intables, pie charts and bar graphs. Interview guides collected data from casino managers and Government inspectors and data was analyzed by content analysis. Categories and themes were identified and similar views from the interviews were grouped together.An observation check list was used to ascertain the environmental factors that influence casino employees‟ gambling behavior.Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the best predictor variable influencing the gambling behavior of casino employees. In general the gambling in casinos was found to contribute (57.3%) of employees gambling behavior. The study concluded the following; that casino employees gamble, exposure to gambling and casino work environment impacts on the employees socio-economic and gambling behavior. Training and treatment/remedies have no significant relationship with the employees‟ responsible gambling behavior. The study found that; there was need to educate employees on responsible gambling and recommends that the government and casino owners need to help employees manage gambling related problems by establishing gambling addiction management centers as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility. The casino employers should ensure that employees are well remunerated and working environment is conducive. The study further recommends similar studies in other regions of Kenya and online gambling which has also taken root among the Kenyan productive age group.
Influence of hospitality operations on service quality of barbeque restaurants in Kiambu County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2025-06) Wahome, Reginah Brenda Nyawira
Studies show that effective hospitality sector services can significantly enhance business service quality. However, in the Kenyan context, there is a service quality gap among barbeque restaurants between customer expectations and experience. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of hospitality operations on the service quality of barbeque restaurants in Kiambu County. The study objectives were: to establish the influence of quality control of service operations, product and service innovations, management of service operations, and management of competition on service quality. The resource-based view theory, Juran Trilogy Model, assimilation theory, and SERVQUAL theory anchored this study. An embedded mixed-method research design incorporating quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was used in this study. This study targeted barbeque restaurant managers, customers, and Kiambu County officers. A pretest of the questionnaire was conducted in 12 barbeque restaurants with 12 managers and 39 customers. Pretest barbeque restaurants were not considered during actual data collection to eliminate bias. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 112 managers and 496 customers of barbeque restaurants, while qualitative data was collected using interview schedules. The response rates were 71.0% and 90.2% for customers’ and managers, respectively. Analysis of quantitative data comprised descriptive (means and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (independent samples t-test and multiple linear regression). Qualitative data was analysed using an in-depth thematic analysis technique. The results are presented in tables, graphs, and charts in line with the objectives. The results of this study revealed that amongst the four hospitality service operations considered in this study, only quality control of service operations and management of service operations were significantly positively related to service quality, tangibility, responsiveness, and empathy rendered to customers; the influences of product and service innovations and management of competition were not significant. Only quality control of service operations and management of competition was positively related to the assurance dimension of service quality; the influences of product and innovations and management of services operations were insignificant. Only quality control of services and product and service innovations were positively related to the reliability dimension of service quality; the influences of management of service operations and competition were insignificant. Thus, it is more likely that managers working in barbeque restaurants which can control the quality-of-service operations and manage service operations will perceive higher service quality, tangibility, responsiveness, and empathy rendered to customers. It is more likely that managers working in barbeque restaurants which can control the quality-of-service operations and manage competition will perceive higher assurance of service quality given to customers. These factors should be properly considered by the managers and operators of barbeque restaurants to boost their ability to provide excellent service quality to customers. Managers and operators of barbeque restaurants need to consider quality control of service operations as a major factor influencing the overall service quality and its specific dimensions
Influence of linen management and customer satisfaction in star-rated hotels in upper east region of Ghana
(Kenyatta University, 2024-10) Akomaning, Esther Laurinda
Bed and bath linen provided at hotels contributes to guests' experience. Par levels and par stock for hotel operations can hinder customer satisfaction. The study investigated the influence of linen management and customer satisfaction in star-rated hotels in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Five specific objectives guided this study as follows: to examine the relationships between bed and bath linen quantities and qualities and guest satisfaction, to investigate the effect of bed and bath linen care strategies on guest satisfaction, to evaluate GTA’s current bed and bath linen policies and propose policy improvement, and to investigate the moderating effect of training on the relationship between linen management and guest satisfaction. The research design adopted was a cross-sectional survey design. The target population for the study was 1180 which comprised individuals from hotel employees (general managers/supervisors), key informants from GTA and hotel association, and hotel guests. A sample size of 381 was drawn from 24 of the hotels. The research instruments employed for data collection were questionnaires, interview guide, and observation checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics covered percentages means and standard deviations. The percentages were used for the demographic data while in summarising the main features of the data based on the objectives the means and standard deviations were used. The regression model (simple, multiple, and hierarchical regression) was the inferential statistics used to analyse the data to determine the statistical relationship among the variables and the influence of the predictor variables on the outcome variable. The regression model helped explain the predictors' variations in guest satisfaction. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data and organised in themes to support the findings. The findings on bed and bath linen quantities had a significant relationship with guest satisfaction (p=0.001<0.05). Also, bed and bath linen qualities had a substantial relationship with guest satisfaction with p-values of (p=0.001< 0.05) and (p=0.002< 0.05) respectively. Bed and bath linen care strategies affected guest satisfaction (R2 = 0.507, p = .001). The R2 showed the predictor variables explained 50.7% of the variations in guest satisfaction. Furthermore, GTA's bed and bath linen policies had a significant relationship with guest satisfaction (R2 = 0.448, p=0.001) with the predictor variable explaining a 44.8% variation in guests’ satisfaction. For policy improvement, GTA should specify par levels for bed and bath linen and the degree of cleanliness. The suggested minimum par should be three. The linen should show no sign of soil, stain, spots, deface colour, or smell. The moderating effect of training on linen management and guest satisfaction was (β = -.580, R2 = .346, F = 38.493, p = 0.002< 0.05) when the hierarchical multiple regression was applied. The overall regression model was statistically significant considering the F-statistics and the p-value. The R2 explained a 34.6% variation in the effect of training on the relationship. The study concluded a relationship between how hotels manage bed and bath linen and guest satisfaction. The study recommended that overstrained linen could be prevented with a minimum par level of three for a bed when hotels are fully booked. A par level below three can cause low linen quality affecting guest satisfaction Undiscovered latent variables that mediate linen management can be studied as further research.
Influence of occupational hazards on employees’ Job performance in housekeeping department of budget hotels in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria
(Kenyatta University, 2015-11) Rakiya, Ladidi Abubakar
Evidence has accumulated to suggest that occupational injuries are on upsurge in developing countries such as Nigeria and little or no consideration has been paid to this trend by the authorities. In this study, influence of occupational hazards on job performance of employees of housekeeping department was studied in budget hotels. The study specifically investigated the prevalent of occupational hazards peculiar to housekeeping jobs in budget hotels, identified the preventive measures available to reduce occupational hazards and evaluated the rehabilitation measures for injured housekeepers and investigated the level of employees’ job performance. The study gives an insight into the type of occupational risks and accidents prevalent in hotel industry particularly housekeeping department. It also allows for a better understanding of working conditions of service and level of compliance of existing occupational hazards rules and regulations by both the employers and employees. The findings of the study are beneficial to all stakeholders in hospitality industry by providing necessary information that may help prevent incidences of occupational hazards, establish rehabilitation / insurance policies that will aid in taking care of the victims of occupational accidents. The findings of the study are also useful for policy decisions by stakeholders. Relevant and related literature was reviewed based on the objectives of the study. Cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. The study was carried out in budget hotels in Nigeria. The study targeted 500housekeeping employees of the hotel industry in Kaduna Metropolis. A sample of 217 employees was derived which was determined using KREJCIE and MORGAN Formula. The employees comprise guestroom attendants and laundry staff who are directly involved in the cleanliness and maintenance of hotels and bear some risk of occupational hazards, supervisors who supervised and trained the other employees in housekeeping duties and safety at workplace and executive head housekeepers who made policies on decision making. Cluster sampling technique was used to select sample from managers and supervisors. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select guestroom attendants, public area cleaners and laundry staff under the study area. Structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect the data from the guestroom attendants, laundry staff, public area cleaners and supervisors while interview schedules was used for executive head housekeepers. Descriptive statistics data analysis was used to analyze numerical data collected through opened-ended questions, prevalence of occupational hazards peculiar to housekeeping jobs in budget hotels, preventive measures available reduce occupational hazards and rehabilitative measures on injured housekeepers while multiple regression were used to determine the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable. Chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. The study revealed that there are more female than male employees in hotel housekeeping jobs, there are occupational hazards that are peculiar to housekeeping jobs and there is inadequate training for employees on preventive measures. The study also showed that hospital bills which are a form rehabilitation measure for injured employees are not paid by either the management of budget hotels or the government. It was revealed that absenteeism, hospitalization, room quota and quantity of linen washed were used to measure job performance. The study concludes that incapacitated employees should be reinstated at work by employers, government should compensate injured hotel employees particularly hotel housekeepers.
Influence of servicescape on customer satisfaction in restaurants within classified hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya.
(2011-05-08) Ngonyo, Kamau Beatrice
The study sought to investigate factors influencing the provision and consumption of African traditional foods in classified and unclassified restaurants in Nairobi. The specific objectives were to determine the socio-economic status of customers, examine factors influencing customer preference towards traditional foods and establish factors influencing the restaurants' menu concept. The findings of this study will be of great help to the restaurateurs in Nairobi as they will provide them with concrete scientific data about African traditional food lifestyles, beyond their own market research. These would guide them on what to give preference to in their menus in future. It will be beneficial to the social researchers too as they could use the findings to know if traditional foods could be used to enhance cultures and promote tourism. The study adopted the descriptive survey design which was used to gather information from a portion of the population. The accessible population was classified and unclassified restaurants which offered African traditional foods. The sampling frame consisted of three (3) classified restaurants and eighteen (18) unclassified restaurants making a total of 21 restaurants. Purposive and systematic random sampling was used to select the restaurants. Respondents were drawn from restaurant managers and customers in those restaurants. A total of twenty one (21) food and beverage managers were purposively selected and interviewed while 425 customers filled questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using charts, tables, bar graphs, percentages and frequencies. Chi-square test (x2) was used to establish relationship between income and nutritional value. A multiple regression was also used to determine the best predictor variables for how often one eats traditional foods. The findings revealed that those who were mostly eating the traditional foods in the selected restaurants are people in their middle and old ages, the foods are not popular with the young people. It was evident that those eating the traditional foods are people who are well educated, have good jobs and earning high incomes. Most of the customers eat traditional foods daily. The following factors were rated highly by the customers as the core reasons for eating traditional foods; taste, nutritive value, enhancing cultural values and medical reasons. Chi-square results (x2) revealed that there was no significant association between income and nutritional value as a reason for preference towards traditional foods. Multiple regression results showed that income was the best predictor of how often one eats African traditional foods. Results revealed that the restaurant managers introduced the African traditional foods in restaurants in Nairobi recently. The following reasons were given for introducing the African traditional foods; health nutritional value, enhancing cultural values and customer requests. Results too revealed that traditional foods were popular. The study recommended that young people should be encouraged to eat the traditional foods, the Ministry of Culture and National heritage should hold more campaigns to popularize African traditional foods and Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to motivate local farmers by financing them, so as to grow more of the local foods as demand is increasing. Further research should be conducted to find out why the young people are not eating the traditional foods.

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