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Item Stakeholder Management and Performance of Non-Governmental Organizations Supported Health Care Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Nginya, Deborah WanguiVarious development partners and non-governmental organizations supported Nairobi City County in improving health care service delivery through community and facility-level projects, in improving the health information system, in strengthening health leadership and management, and addressing gaps in the health workforce and health infrastructure. The total contribution from partners and NGOs remained difficult owing to inadequate coordination of resource flows, the quality of work delivered to beneficiaries, and the fact that most of the contribution was indirect. The majority of the health care projects in Nairobi City County, partially or fully supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), reported unexpected incurred costs and cost overrun. The NGOs, especially those in the health sector, faced challenges in managing their stakeholders effectively, which could impact the success of their projects. This study was an attempt to examine the effect of stakeholder management on the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations' health care projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to research how stakeholder identification, participation, communication, and stakeholder monitoring impacted the performance of Non-Governmental Organizations' health care projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Theory of Constraint Stakeholders Theory and Systems Theory. The research utilized a descriptive research design. The target population for the study was 47 projects. The respondents consisted of 47 project managers and 47 program officers. Data were obtained through a descriptive research design. Questionnaires were administered to respondents. The data obtained were cleaned and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Conclusions and recommendations were drawn from the results of the analysis. All ethical standards were maintained to ensure the reliability of findings. Generally, there was a positive perception, with stakeholders expressing confidence, enthusiasm, and optimism. High levels of stakeholder involvement in project planning, common understanding, contribution, training, and positive outcomes. High agreement on plan, clear channels, timely communication, feedback mechanism, and positive impact. There was a strong positive correlation between identification, participation, communication, monitoring, and project performance. Significant positive correlations suggest that improving these factors may positively impact project performance. The comprehensive analysis of stakeholder dynamics in NGO-supported healthcare projects underscores the multifaceted nature of project success. Stakeholder identification, participation, and monitoring emerge as critical components contributing significantly to project performance. While communication shows a positive correlation, its direct impact may require a better understanding and tailored strategies. NGOs operating in Nairobi City County are encouraged to leverage these findings to refine their stakeholder engagement strategies, emphasizing identification, active participation, and effective monitoring to maximize the positive impact of healthcare projects in the region.Item Influence of Marketing Strategies on Sustainable Conservation of Heritage Sites in Nyeri County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2024-11) Kinyua, Beatrice WairimuIn recent years, sustainable conservation has gained acceptance among tourism stakeholders as an economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly heritage tourism development model. Heritage tourism faces numerous challenges, including cultural commercialization, organic dilapidation, development pressure, inadequate marketing and public awareness, and improper use and maintenance. Kenya has begun to embrace long-term heritage tourism development goals that are aligned with Kenya's Vision 2030. This study examined the influence of marketing strategies on the sustainable conservation of selected cultural heritage sites in Nyeri County. The study determined the influence of market development strategies, assessed the influence of market penetration strategies, determined the influence of diversification strategies, and examined the influence of product development strategies on the sustainable conservation of heritage sites in Nyeri County. Ansoff's marketing and sustainable development theories underpinned the study’s theoretical foundation. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population included local community members, tourists, and key informants from the County government of Nyeri, the National Museums of Kenya, and site supervisors. The sample size was 762 respondents, consisting of 384 locals, 367 tourists, two museum officials, eight site supervisors, and one Nyeri County tourism official. Stratified and proportionate approaches were used to sample the locals and tourists from the four heritage sites. Simple random sampling was utilized for tourists and locals, while a census was used to sample critical informants. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Study supervisors' guidelines were used to determine the validity of the study instruments. The reliability of the study variables was assessed using the Cronbach alpha criterion, accepting alphas above 0.7. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences through descriptive and inferential analysis, including means, percentages, standard deviations, and correlation and regression analyses. Qualitative data followed a text/content analysis, with responses grouped as themes and integrated into the discussion of quantitative findings. Data were presented as tables, pie charts, and histograms. The response rate for questionnaires was 66.2%, while that of interviews was 100%. The findings revealed that market development strategies (r=0.551, p=0.000), market penetration strategies (r=0.620, p=0.000), diversification strategies (r=0.377, p=0.000), and product development strategies (r=0.393, p=0.000) exhibited a positive and statistically significant relationship with the sustainable conservation of heritage sites in Nyeri County. Although the three variables positively influenced sustainable conservation, market penetration strategies were the most robust predictor (R²=38.4%), with the four variables causing a 44.9% variation in sustainable conservation of heritage sites in Nyeri County. The study concludes that marketing strategies are catalysts for attaining sustainable conservation initiatives in Nyeri County. It recommends incorporating heritage sites into the County's economic plans and policies, involving locals at all stages to incorporate their socio-cultural and economic values. The study also suggests a multi-governmental and agency approach to developing, diversifying, and marketing heritage products while preserving heritage sites and biodiversity. Future studies should investigate this topic using in-depth analysis to understand how marketing-specific aspects, such as technology, can address specific sustainability components, including socio-economics, cultures, and environmental concernsItem Influence of Neo-Ethnic Plagiarism of Maasai Culture on Sustainarle Tourism Development in Mombasa County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023-06) Otieno, Edmond; Esther Munyiri; Alice NziokaAbstractItem Efficacy of Business Strategies in Influencing Organizational Performance among Tour Operators in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023-10) Thukia, Wanijiku Joseph; Esther Kagure Munyiri; Shem Wambugu MaingiAbstractItem Influence of E-Tourism on Travel Business Profitability in Nairobi City County, Kenya Evelyne Mueni Ndambuki(Kenyatta University, 2023-10) Ndambuki, Evelyne Mueni; Albert Chege Kariuki; Jane BitokAbstractItem Role of international celebrity event hosting on tour firms performance in Nairobi city county, Kenya(Kenyatta university, 2022-10) Kamau, George Gikuni; Jebet Jane Bitok; Ndubi Edgar OtsemboEvents are crucial for development of destinations across different parts of the world since they possess important social, cultural, and economic outputs. International celebrity events provide additional destination attraction and they create a sustainable tourism industry across many parts of the world. Despite research in recent times in events gaining tremendous interest among scholars and emerging as a crucial area of study, little is known on how international celebrity events hosting influences tour firms’ performance. In effect, the purpose of the study was to explore the role of international celebrity events hosting on tour firms’ performance in Nairobi City County. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design underpinned this study. The target population for the study encompassed managerial employees drawn from tour firms registered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators and key informants who were drawn from government bodies directly involved in tourism. Proportionate stratified and random sampling approaches were used to sample the managerial employees while purposive sampling technique utilized to select key informants. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for collection of data. The target population comprised of 2,100 employees drawn 329 tour firms. The sample size of the study constituted of 390 managerial employees who were drawn from all the 329 tour firms registered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, as well as 10 key informants. Validity of the instruments was assessed by the specialists in the area and supervisors from the department of Tourism Management, whereas Cronbach’s alpha reliability was assessed by use of the test-retest method. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics where the former included the standard deviation, mean, frequencies, and percentages while regression and correlation analysis constituted the latter. Data presentation was carried out using of tables. The study recorded a questionnaire return rate and interview response rate of 71.3% and 100% respectively, thus satisfactory for this research work. The results of the study might be useful to tourism stakeholders and will supplement the existing body of knowledge on tourism. Based on the findings of the study, hosting of the profiled international celebrity events (r=0.269, p=0.000), international celebrity events destination choice (r=0.531, p=0.000), and international celebrity events destination promotion (r=0.308, p=0.000) exhibited a positive and statistically significant relationship with tour firms’ performance in Nairobi City County. Likewise, the relationship between international celebrity events hosting and tour firms’ performance was moderated by technology (r=0.138, p=0.05) According to the overall results, the study concluded that the all the dimensions of international celebrity events hosting influenced tour firms’ performance. The study recommends hosting of different types of international celebrity events in the country as there are more arising every year globally. Further, the study recommends development of destinations where necessary or appropriate event facilities and resources should be made available. There is need to develop and organize special international celebrity events in the country, which will increase the competitiveness of Nairobi City County as a preferred tourist destination.Item Role of International Celebrity Event Hosting on Tour Firms Performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Kamau, George Gikuni; Jebet Jane Bitok; Ndubi Edgar OtsemboEvents are crucial for development of destinations across different parts of the world since they possess important social, cultural, and economic outputs. International celebrity events provide additional destination attraction and they create a sustainable tourism industry across many parts of the world. Despite research in recent times in events gaining tremendous interest among scholars and emerging as a crucial area of study, little is known on how international celebrity events hosting influences tour firms’ performance. In effect, the purpose of the study was to explore the role of international celebrity events hosting on tour firms’ performance in Nairobi City County. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design underpinned this study. The target population for the study encompassed managerial employees drawn from tour firms registered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators and key informants who were drawn from government bodies directly involved in tourism. Proportionate stratified and random sampling approaches were used to sample the managerial employees while purposive sampling technique utilized to select key informants. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used for collection of data. The target population comprised of 2,100 employees drawn 329 tour firms. The sample size of the study constituted of 390 managerial employees who were drawn from all the 329 tour firms registered with the Kenya Association of Tour Operators, as well as 10 key informants. Validity of the instruments was assessed by the specialists in the area and supervisors from the department of Tourism Management, whereas Cronbach’s alpha reliability was assessed by use of the test-retest method. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics where the former included the standard deviation, mean, frequencies, and percentages while regression and correlation analysis constituted the latter. Data presentation was carried out using of tables. The study recorded a questionnaire return rate and interview response rate of 71.3% and 100% respectively, thus satisfactory for this research work. The results of the study might be useful to tourism stakeholders and will supplement the existing body of knowledge on tourism. Based on the findings of the study, hosting of the profiled international celebrity events (r=0.269, p=0.000), international celebrity events destination choice (r=0.531, p=0.000), and international celebrity events destination promotion (r=0.308, p=0.000) exhibited a positive and statistically significant relationship with tour firms’ performance in Nairobi City County. Likewise, the relationship between international celebrity events hosting and tour firms’ performance was moderated by technology (r=0.138, p=0.05) According to the overall results, the study concluded that the all the dimensions of international celebrity events hosting influenced tour firms’ performance. The study recommends hosting of different types of international celebrity events in the country as there are more arising every year globally. Further, the study recommends development of destinations where necessary or appropriate event facilities and resources should be made available. There is need to develop and organize special international celebrity events in the country, which will increase the competitiveness of Nairobi City County as a preferred tourist destination.Item Risk Exposure and Management Strategies as Determinants of Customers’ Satisfaction in Selected Golf Clubs within Nairobi City and Kiambu Counties, Kenya.(Kenyatta University, 2022) Mwangi, Paul Nderitu; Vincent Nyamari Maranga,; Moses Ngatia Miricho,Risks have been reported to hamper operation and customer satisfaction in various service-based organizations. In golf clubs, the main objectives are to enhance quality and safe services and facilities, which in turn satisfy and attract customers (golfers). For a golf clubs management to achieve customer satisfaction, they must examine operational risks and make decisions to counter their effects. Today golf clubs are experiencing poor management practices, weak governance, and difficulties related to membership growth. This study investigated risk exposure and management strategies as determinants of the customer satisfaction in selected golf clubs within golf clubs in Nairobi City and Kiambu Counties, Kenya. This study had five specific objectives as follow; to evaluate the influence of risk exposure on customer satisfaction, to examine the relationship between the management strategies and customers satisfaction, to establish the relationship between corporate governance and customers satisfaction, to establish the relationship between environmental conservation strategies and customer satisfaction and, to investigate the moderating effects of demographic factors on the relationship between risk exposure and management strategies and customer satisfaction. The cross-sectional descriptive survey was adopted where questionnaires, interviews, observation checklists and secondary sources provided the data. The study population was 31,159 individuals comprising of clubs’ captains, golf managers, professional trainers, customers, and caddies where a sample of 799 respondents was drawn. The qualitative data was ordered, coded, then, summarized into themes while descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted on the quantitative data. Descriptive analysis was conducted on demographic data. Regressions analyses were employed to determine the relationships existing between variables. In addition, multiple regression analyses were applied to establish the impact of the predictors on the study’s dependent variable. Regression analysis assisted in determining relationships between the four predictors and customers’ satisfaction. The findings indicated significant influences of risk exposure to customer satisfaction with p=0.017<0.05. It was also established that risk management strategies and customer satisfaction had a statistically significant relationship with p=0.008<0.05. Further analysis established significant relationships between corporate governance and customer satisfaction with a p=0.045<0.05. Environmental conservation strategies and customer satisfaction had a statistically significant relationship established by p=0.003<0.05. Additionally, the findings established that golf industry context indicators and customers had no statistically significant relationship with a p=0.866>0.05. Based on the analysis, the R-value was established as 0.829 denoting a high correlation between the predictors and dependent variable. A resulting R2 (Square) value obtained was 0.687, indicating that risk exposure and management strategies explained 68.7% of Customer Satisfaction. The ANOVA results showed the f-statistics = 11.715 and p=0.000<0.05 denoting that the model of regression obtained was significant statistically. Multiple regressions established that all the β-values (beta) were positive indicating positive and significant relationship existed between the study variables. This study recommended that the golf clubs’ management formulate and implement effective risk management policies for ultimate customers (golfers) satisfaction. The study further recommended that good corporate governance; effective risk management and conservation strategies ought to be implemented as part of customers’ satisfaction goal within the golf clubs.Item Housekeeping Service Quality and Guest Satisfaction in Selected Star Rated Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2019) Mchigani, Elwin; Rahab M. Mugambi; Lenah B. KebasoThe major contributors to guest patronage in a hospitality organization are the standards of cleanliness and quality of services offered. In Kenya, despite the knowledge, set rules and guidelines of housekeeping practice, hotels have been faced with complaints from guests ranging from room cleanliness and maintenance to the quality of services offered. The purpose of the study was to examine housekeeping service quality and guest satisfaction in selected star-rated hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was guided by four objectives namely; to examine housekeeping services, determine housekeeping service qualities, establish guestroom physical amenities and examine challenges encountered by housekeeping personnel in achieving guest satisfaction. A cross sectional survey design was adopted in achieving the research objectives, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches being used for data collection. Nairobi City County offered a cosmopolitan base for the study as it hosts most of the star rated hotels therefore, providing a good source of respondents for the study. The population for this study comprised of 244 guestroom attendants, 21 executive housekeepers and 1033 hotel guests from star-rated hotels in Nairobi City County. Purposive sampling and stratified random sampling were used to select 21executive housekeepers, 149 guestroom attendants and 280 hotel guests. The study used questionnaires, personal interviews and observations to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using both descripti ve and inferential statistics. Factor analysis was used to identify housekeeping services most' preferred by guests and guestroom attendants. It was found out that physical status of facilities in the guestrooms is well maintained and the housekeeping staff seems to be friendly and courteous. Regression analysis was used to measure the relationship between housekeeping service quality and guest satisfaction and the findings showed R=0.323 which indicated there existed a weak but positive relationship of housekeeping services and guest satisfaction. Additionally, physical facilities in the guestroom which included aspects such as the different room categories, keycard door 'SQ'stem, room doorbell, quality of the bed and mattress, the room and bathroom linen, furniture and fixtures, mini bar, air conditioning unit and guest amenities affected guest satisfaction. There existed a negative relationship between physical facilities found in the guest rooms and guest satisfaction with a coefficient of (-0.123) tested at 0.05 significant level. On challenges encountered by housekeeping personnel in achieving guest satisfaction, lack of enough housekeeping cleaning equipment, insufficient room linen, lack of enough staff and poor support from management highly contributed to poor service delivery. Based on these findings, the study concluded that star-rated hotels lack the technical know-how of identifyfng guests' needs. Housekeeping quality services in selected star-rated hotels has a direct relationship with management decision making in that a unit change in decision making process directly influences the quality of service delivery. There is need for housekeeping service providers in the industry to be encouraged to formulate guidelines that will encompass all housekeeping practitioners to act as an internal regulatory body to ensure the industry offers quality services to its guests. [t is recommended that further' research be conducted on the new trends in hotel housekeeping practice, and challenges experienced by the department in implementation of the same.Item Influence of Strategic Orientation on Performance of Public Owned Hotels in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Lentu, Lesaibile Moses; Rosemarie Khayiya; Alice OndigiFirm’s strategic orientation enables a firm to develop optimal performance and sustain competitiveness in the market. Publicly owned hotels have however been faced with many challenges which affects their performance. These challenges included change in technology, competitive environment, social-cultural and economic challenges. The main objective of the study was to establish the influence of strategic orientation on performance of public owned hotels in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to examine the influence of resource orientation on performance of public owned hotels in Kenya; establish the influence of enterprenurial orientation on the performance of public owned hotels; determine the influence of market orientation on performance of public onwed hotels and establish the influence of technological orientation on the performance of public owned hotels in Kenya. The study was guided by three theories namely; Resource-based view, Goal-setting theory and Dynamic Capabilities View. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. The targeted institutions for the study were all the 10 existing public owned hotels located in various parts of the country. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample. The study used a census of 9 public owned hotels and used purposive sampling to select one General Manager and five heads of departments from each hotel. Therefore, a total of 54 (9*6) respondents formed the sample size. The study however received back only 44 questionnaires; a response rate of 81.48%. The study adopted the use of a questionnaire for middle level managers and an interview schedule for the general managers as the main research instruments. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like mean, frequencies and standard deviations and the findings presented in tables and figures. Linear Regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of resource, enterpreneurial, market and technological orientation on performance while standard multiple regression was used to determine the overall influence of strategic orientation on performance of public owned hotels. The study established that resource orientation (β=0.565, p=0.000); entrepreneurial orientation (β=0.285, p=0.000); market orientation (β=0.346, p=0.000) and technological orientation (β=0.271, p=0.000) positively and significantly influenced performance of public owned hotels in Kenya. The multiple regression findings further showed that all measures of strategic orientation combined (resource orientation (β=0.283), technology orientation (β=0.381), market orientation (β=0.093), entrepreneurial orientation (β=1.002) influenced performance of public owned hotels. Although all the variables showed a statistically significant influence on performance, technological orientation proved to be the best predictor variable of performance, given that it produced the highest value (β=1.002;P=0.000). This study recommends that the public owned hotels should widely adopt information technology (IT) to reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and most importantly to improve service quality and customer experience.Item Impediments to Education Access Andretention in Public Secondary Schools in Tana River County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Gitau, Treza Waithera; Shem Wambugu Maingi; Edgar NdubiDestination competitiveness and factors that influence it has attracted interest among researchers recently. Among them is place identity which to date there exists no place brand identity that is universally accepted. The purpose of this study was to determine the Influence of place identity on the competitiveness of Machakos County as a tourist destination. Specific objectives of this study were to determine the Influence of visitor profile, to investigate the influence of visitor place identity perceptions, to examine the effect of visitor self-efficacy on destination competitiveness and to determine the moderating effect of tourism infrastructure on the relationship between place identity and destination competitiveness of Machakos County. This study was based on two theories: The Destination Competitiveness theory and the Breakwell‟s Identity Process Model. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used in this study using questionnaires as the research instruments.317 visitors who patronized products and services of 202 registered tourism enterprises in Machakos Sub-County were randomly sampled for this study. Reliability of the research instruments was estimated using Cronbach‟s Alpha Coefficient. Descriptive statistics; correlation and regression (simple and multiple) were employed and for inferential statistics; Chi Square, T-Test and ANOVA were used. Correlation results indicated that Place Identity perceptions (r=0.577, p=0.000<0.05), Visitor self-efficacy (r=0.656, p=0.00<0.05) and Tourism Infrastructure (r=0.684, p=0.000<0.05) were positively and significantly associated to destination competitiveness. T-test results showed that visitor profile was significant with destination competitiveness except gender (p=0.624) and marital status of visitors. (p=0.806). The regression of coefficients results indicated that place identity and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.589, p=0.000). Visitor self -efficacy and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0. 0.672, p=0.000). When moderated by tourism infrastructure, age (β=0.021, p=0.000), education level (β=0.0518, p=0.000), reason for travel (β=0.077, p=0.000), means of transport (β=0.113, p=0.000) were positively and significantly related with destination competitiveness. Further, the multiple regression indicated that place identity perception (β=0.032, p=0.015) and visitor self-efficacy (β=0.057, p=0.000) was negatively and significantly related with destination competitiveness. Reason for visit and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.309, p=0.026). Place Identity perception and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β =0.119, p=0.046). Self-Efficacy and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.155, p=0.030).Tourism infrastructure and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0. 524, p=0.000). All the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternative hypotheses adopted. The study recommended that DMOs should ensure that their product is customized to match varying visitor profiles especially in regards to age of visitors, level of education and the reason of their visit. They should integrate their marketing efforts with visitor opinions and perceptions about a place. Moreover, they should work towards increasing visitor efficacy before visit, while at destination and after leaving as this would significantly increase their sense of belonging and in turn increase chances of their return. Further research can be carried out on other stakeholder groups like host community, the Government or even NGOs. It can also be conducted on other branded counties in Kenya. In conclusion, this study confirmed that visitors have the ability to contribute towards the identity of a place in terms of their age and reasons for visit, their perceptions about place and their self-efficacy in relation to the destination they visit or aspire to visit.Item Influence of Place Identity on Destination Competitiveness of Machakos Sub-County; Machakos County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Barak, Winfred Musengy’a; Shem Wambugu Maingi; Edgar NdubiDestination competitiveness and factors that influence it has attracted interest among researchers recently. Among them is place identity which to date there exists no place brand identity that is universally accepted. The purpose of this study was to determine the Influence of place identity on the competitiveness of Machakos County as a tourist destination. Specific objectives of this study were to determine the Influence of visitor profile, to investigate the influence of visitor place identity perceptions, to examine the effect of visitor self-efficacy on destination competitiveness and to determine the moderating effect of tourism infrastructure on the relationship between place identity and destination competitiveness of Machakos County. This study was based on two theories: The Destination Competitiveness theory and the Breakwell‟s Identity Process Model. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used in this study using questionnaires as the research instruments.317 visitors who patronized products and services of 202 registered tourism enterprises in Machakos Sub-County were randomly sampled for this study. Reliability of the research instruments was estimated using Cronbach‟s Alpha Coefficient. Descriptive statistics; correlation and regression (simple and multiple) were employed and for inferential statistics; Chi Square, T-Test and ANOVA were used. Correlation results indicated that Place Identity perceptions (r=0.577, p=0.000<0.05), Visitor self-efficacy (r=0.656, p=0.00<0.05) and Tourism Infrastructure (r=0.684, p=0.000<0.05) were positively and significantly associated to destination competitiveness. T-test results showed that visitor profile was significant with destination competitiveness except gender (p=0.624) and marital status of visitors. (p=0.806). The regression of coefficients results indicated that place identity and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.589, p=0.000). Visitor self -efficacy and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0. 0.672, p=0.000). When moderated by tourism infrastructure, age (β=0.021, p=0.000), education level (β=0.0518, p=0.000), reason for travel (β=0.077, p=0.000), means of transport (β=0.113, p=0.000) were positively and significantly related with destination competitiveness. Further, the multiple regression indicated that place identity perception (β=0.032, p=0.015) and visitor self-efficacy (β=0.057, p=0.000) was negatively and significantly related with destination competitiveness. Reason for visit and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.309, p=0.026). Place Identity perception and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β =0.119, p=0.046). Self-Efficacy and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0.155, p=0.030).Tourism infrastructure and destination competitiveness was positively and significant related (β=0. 524, p=0.000). All the null hypotheses were rejected and the alternative hypotheses adopted. The study recommended that DMOs should ensure that their product is customized to match varying visitor profiles especially in regards to age of visitors, level of education and the reason of their visit. They should integrate their marketing efforts with visitor opinions and perceptions about a place. Moreover, they should work towards increasing visitor efficacy before visit, while at destination and after leaving as this would significantly increase their sense of belonging and in turn increase chances of their return. Further research can be carried out on other stakeholder groups like host community, the Government or even NGOs. It can also be conducted on other branded counties in Kenya. In conclusion, this study confirmed that visitors have the ability to contribute towards the identity of a place in terms of their age and reasons for visit, their perceptions about place and their self-efficacy in relation to the destination they visit or aspire to visit.Item Food and Beverage Training and Entrepreneurial Engagement among Diploma Graduates from Tertiary Institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Binyanya, Benard; Monica Wandolo; Rahab MugambiEntrepreneurship is recognized as a beacon of business start-ups. It drives individuals to realize their synergy, visualize and strategize / focus towards entrepreneurial path. It is a vibrant process aimed at creating economic returns through innovations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of skills acquired by Food and Beverage graduates from tertiary institutions in entrepreneurial engagements. In particular, the study investigated the direct effect of entrepreneurial training skills, internship exposure/job market and educational institution as a social network on decisions towards entrepreneurial engagements. Trainer’s demographics and pedagogy was used as the intervening variable. Theory of entrepreneurial competences, Human capital theory, Theory of Reasoned Action and Sociological theory were used to inform the study. An explanatory research design was adopted. Apart from graduates, lecturers from tertiary institutions that offer food and beverage courses also formed part of the respondents. Specifically, 14 institutions from Nairobi County were targeted for the study, which included two public universities, four private universities, three government technical institutions and five private training colleges. Fishers formula was used to derive the sample size from the population. Using purposive sampling technique and self-administered questionnaires, qualitative and quantitative data was collected. Descriptive and inferential procedures were used in data analysis. For quantitative data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used, while for qualitative data, thematic analysis was used. Before testing the study hypotheses, diagnostic checks were done to ensure the suitability of the collected data in regression modeling. From the inferential analysis, the findings indicated that the independent variables training skills and internship exposure/job market do not have significant effects on entrepreneurial engagements with corresponding p-values 0.604 and 0.533, while educational institution had a significant effect with a p-value of 0.44. Using a step-by-step analytical approach, trainer’s demographics and pedagogy was found to act as an independent variable, not as an intervening variable. The study concluded that training is rich in content and well linked, however with limited need to plug gap of practical skills to reduce exam gurus oriented graduates. The study concluded that lecturers play a critical role in motivating/mentoring graduates to get involved in entrepreneurial activities through teaching methodology and nurturing of talents. The study recommends that the educational institutions should develop mentorship programs to nurture their graduates’ business engagement. Further, the training institution should embrace studies that follows graduate to establish the utilization of skills acquired during training. In addition, as a way of attracting more students to the hospitality industry, improvements such as curriculum adjustments, attachment/internship programs and social networking, should be considered by main stakeholders in the hospitality industry.Item Biodiversity Conservation Factors Influencing Wildlife Tourism at Oljogi Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Munyao, Nzomo Cosmas; Shem Wambugu Maingi; Albert Chege KariukiWildlife-based tourism generates significant cash that can be utilized to fund ecological efforts. The focus of this research was to look at the biodiversity conservation factors that influence wildlife tourism at Oljogi Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya. Specifically, it sought to profile visitors in relation to preference of wildlife tourism, determine visitors’ preference to wildlife tourism, and examine satisfaction levels in addition to whether animal conservation influenced wildlife tourism at Oljogi conservancy. This research would be of value to various stakeholders. Policy makers for example, the government, Kenya Wildlife Services and Kenya Forest Service, among others, may find it important as it forms the basis for policy formulation to improve wildlife tourism. This research could potentially be beneficial to management of the Oljogi Conservancy as it could drive the formulation of strategies that could improve wildlife tourism in that institution. The information would also serve as a crucial tool to tourism marketing organs like the Magical Kenya brand. Findings from the proposed study would be useful to private sector players like KATO and KATA to achieve their animal conservation strategies. NGOs in conservation, would also find the study equally important as well as other researchers and scholars. The study was based on a descriptive3research design. The target population was 13,728 tourists who visit Oljogi conservancy annually. The visitors as well as tour guides were key informants. The survey's 384 tourists were chosen using random selection, whereas the tour guides were chosen using convenience sampling. To get information from the visitors, a structured3questionnaire was used while an interview schedule guided collection of3data from the tour guides. Results revealed that observing wildlife3in its natural environment, behaving3naturally and viewing unique3wildlife were3the three most important3features in tourism3experience. For the most part, the visitors we engaged for research were witnessing their favored wild creature for the very first moment. Nonetheless, the majority of tourists interacted with, handled, or fed wild animals that were friendly in nature as well as uncommon and distinctive. The research further discovered that the black rhino remained the more preferred species, followed by leopard as well as the lion in this sequence. The conservation status of the Oljogi too was considered to be satisfactory. This research found that the tourist profiles for wildlife preferences, as well as habitat conditions, had a substantial impact upon wildlife tourism in Oljogi Conservancy. Furthermore, the significant number of individuals who stopped at Oljogi Conservancy were really pleased with their wildlife encounter. At Oljogi Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya, the investigation demonstrated that biodiversity conservation factors influence wildlife tourism. The research proposes appropriate strategies to guarantee endangered animals’ preservation, an expansion in the percentage of chosen wild creatures, and a high degree of visitor satisfaction. A comparable study should be conducted in national parks and reserves so that the results may be compared.Item Cluster-Based Critical Success Factors, Government Moderation and Destination Competitiveness of Conference Facilities in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Kyalo, Makau Victor; Sisinio Kiria M; Mary Mutungi M.There has been progressive development of conference facilities that stimulate business to sectors such as transportation, entertainment, trade, accommodations, communications and also the Meeting, Incentives travels, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) sector. The huge benefits ripped in the MICE facilities prompts the need for further research so as to comprehend, the effect of critical success factors of conference facilities and government interaction towards their destination success. Lack of innovative marketing, human resource management and lack of proper financing strategies for the conference facilities makes Kenya lose visitors to other destinations. This has made destinations encounter challenges in developing, strengthening and sustaining their competitive positions in a competitive global market. This problems were identified in Nairobi City County since it is a region that hosts the largest number of delegates and conference facilities. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of critical success factors of conference facilities on destination competitiveness and government moderating role in the relationship in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was delimited to selected CSFs namely marketing, human resource management and financing on destination competitiveness of conference facilities in a cluster based approach. The study was underpinned by Resource Based View and Porter’s Diamond theories. This study utilized the pragmatist research philosophy using mixed methods approach. Descriptive and correlational designs were employed and the target population comprised of 53 conference facilities based in Nairobi City County out of which 47 facilities were selected to participate in the study. The marketing, human resource, finance and events manager, and the chief executive officers from the sampled 47 facilities were considered as study participants contributing to a total of 212. The study further sampled five conference facilities owners for the interviews. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in two stages that included cluster and purposive sampling. Self-administered questionnaires and interview guides were pre-tested and used in data collection where a response rate of 81.1-100% was obtained. Data was entered into statistical packages for social sciences version 22.0 and analysed using two stages. Descriptive statistics employed the use of frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistics comprised of Pearson product moment, correlation and regression analysis. Data was presented in tables, graphs, charts and textual format. Study findings revealed that cluster-based marketing (β=0.722, p˂.001), cluster-based human resource management (β=0.767, p˂.001) and cluster-based financing (β=0.543, p˂.001) of conference facilities had a positive significant relationship with destination competitiveness in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study further revealed that government (β = 0.213, p = 0.129) had no moderating effect on the relationship between critical success factors of conference facilities and destination competitiveness. The study concludes that cluster-based marketing, human resource management and financing had a statistically significant effect on destination competitiveness. The study also concluded that government had no statistically significant moderating effect between critical success factors and destination competitiveness of conference facilities. The study recommends that for government to attain a significant moderating effect towards conference facilities and destination competitiveness in Nairobi City County, it should direct adequate resources to support the sector. The study also recommends operationalization of a Visitors Convention Bureau to collaborate in management of conference facilities in the destination.Item Motivation Orientation of Participants in Extreme Sports in Kenya: A Case of the Mount Kenya Extreme Adventure Challenge(Kenyatta University, 2021) Jonah, Jumbe Sagaya; Nkatha Muthomi; Elijah G. RintauguExtreme sports have gained popularity and growth in participation as alternative sports from the dominant sports since 1970’s. Social related factors in diverse cultural orientations influence decisions to participate in extreme sports. Participants seek ‘extreme activities’ that provide higher stimulation and excitement. In Kenya, Mt Kenya Extreme Sports Challenge, which is a team designed competition, has been held since 2011. Nonetheless, the motives for participation in extremes sports are not known in Kenya. The present study sought to explore motivation orientation of participants in Mt. Kenya Extreme Sports Challenge based on their demographic characteristics. In 2015, Mt Kenya school of adventure and leadership hosted 99 participants. Descriptive research design was used to assess motivation orientation of the Mt Kenya extreme sports challenge (MKESC) 2015 participants who were categorized into self sponsored individuals and corporate sponsored teams. A census survey was used in the study. Data was collected using adopted Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) by Pelletier et al., (1995). The SMS questionnaire assessed three main motivation categories; intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation of the MKESC participants based on their demographic characteristics of age, gender, level of education and sponsorship status. Eighty four participants accepted to be respondents of the present study where 73%(61) of the respondents were male and 27%(23) were female. Hypotheses were tested using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test at p ≤0.05 level of significance. Scheffe test was used to trace the source of significance difference after significant F-ratios. An independent t-test established a significant difference on intrinsic motivations t (82) = -2.777 p = .007 between male and female participants. However, independent t-test did not establish significant difference at p < .05 on extrinsic and amotivation between male and female respondents. While evaluating motivation orientations of the respondents based on their age, ANOVA identified significant difference at p < .05 where Scheffe post hoc test established that the significant differences were between the respondents in age category 18-24 years and those in 25-34 years. A significant difference existed in extrinsic motivation as well as amotivation based on education level of the MKESC participants F(3,80)=3.32, p = .024 and F(3,80)=3.17, p = .029 respectively. Motivation was observed to differ significantly in all the three motivation categories (intrinsic, extrinsic and amotivation) based on the sponsorship status (self-sponsored, institution sponsored) of the respondents at p < .05. The study concluded that male and female participants in extreme sports have different intrinsic motivation orientations. Age influenced motivation orientation particularly extrinsic motivation of extreme sports of participants between 18 and 34 years. Education and sponsorship status of extreme sports significantly influenced extrinsic motivation of extreme sports participants. Findings of the study are useful in understanding demographic details, motivation orientation and motives of participants in extreme sports challenge in Kenya. This may facilitate the designing of programs that address specific needs of participants, form the basis for monitoring and evaluation of participants’ satisfaction levels and provide reference material for extreme sports in Kenya. Future studies should evaluate motivation orientations of the participants before and after extreme sports participation.Item Influence of Management of Contract Catering Services on Customer Satisfaction in Selected Universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2020-02) Mokua, Gilbert BitangeThe rapid growth and increase in contract catering services in Universities in Kenya, seeks to lower costs and respond to high level of competition. The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of management of contract catering services on customer satisfaction in selected universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was to specifically seek to: assess the effect of policy guidelines, identify challenges, assess the effect of service quality, establish the management culture and assess the relationship between management of contract catering services and customer satisfaction in selected universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive cross sectional survey design. The target population was selected universities in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Purposive and stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting the target population of universities. The target population was segmented into two groups based on the category of the university either public and or private university. The sampling technique for management staff respondents was purposive sampling while the students ‗respondents was calculated by using of Cooper and Schindler formula. The study adopted interview guide and questionnaire data collection instrument. Data was collected from 276 respondents. Multi-level random sampling of 276(students, contract catering manager, university director of catering services and university procurement manager) returned 257 (75.72%) valid responses. Expert review was used to pretest the questionnaire before the actual study. The study adopted Cronbach‘s alpha formula to test reliability of the instrument and coefficient ranging from 0.65 to 1 were considered adequate for data analysis. The study collected primary data which was analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential analysis about the management and students‘ views and perceptions. Data were then reported in tables, bar graph, and percentages and verbatim quotes. For inferential statistics, Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the independent variables (demographic factors, policy guidelines, management culture, challenges and service quality) and dependent variable (customer satisfaction) of the study to test the hypotheses. Multiple regression results revealed that at 5% level of significance and 95% level of confidence, the tested variables had p-value confidence levels of 0.022 for policies, 0.012 for management, 0.009 for challenges and 0.000 for service, had positive statistically significant with customer satisfaction. The study concluded that management of contract catering services influence customer satisfaction where positive independent variables like policy guidelines, service quality and management culture enhance customer satisfaction as compared to negative one that is challenges has a high probability in customer dissatisfaction. The study recommends that university management requires management culture in contract catering services that mitigate the challenges in management of contract catering services in order to attending to customer needs to achieve effectiveness in service quality and customer satisfaction. Further, similar studies to be done in other universities and colleges in Kenya with the aim of evaluating influence of management in contract catering services on customer satisfaction. This should aim at establishing if similar challenges in management of contract catering services are a replica in other institutions of the world.Item Role of Conventions in Influencing Tourism Performance in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2019-06) Kariuki, Leah WanjaResearch has shown that conventions are a high value-added industry. This can be argued that the outcome of money spent on convention facilities, convention tours, visitor stay and spending and promotion can be quantified and it is possible to see in terms of positive effects of conventions. There has been a continuous growth of convention industry, which has great potential both directly, and indirectly in delivering huge benefits in various areas including, convention center, accommodation, transportation, communications, entertainment, trading, tourism and many more. Therefore, through development of the tourism industry, there is gain of huge economic, political and cultural benefits. However, further research needs to be done to understand the tourism potential of convention delegates. Lack of effective marketing and promotion and inadequate convention facilities makes Kenya lose potential tourists to other competing destinations. Quantity of function space on income management and performance evaluation, have comparatively been neglected despite the growing interest in the expansion of convention centers. The research area identified the gaps in Nairobi City County since it is a capital city and an area that influences conventions largely. The purpose of the study was to establish the role of conventions in influencing tourism performance in Nairobi, Kenya and bridge the gaps. The key objectives of the study were to examine the role of conventions tours, visitor stay and spending, marketing and consumer preferences and their impact on tourism performance in Nairobi, Kenya. The study targeted employees and guests of selected hotels and venues associated with conventions in Nairobi. A total sample size of 384 employees and guests was used as the source of primary data. Descriptive survey design was used for the purpose of this study. Guests were given questionnaires to fill while the practitioners were interviewed one on one to give their opinion of the study on conventions regarding its variables. Reliability and validity of the instruments was determined through pre-testing. Data of research objectives was described and expressed by use of descriptive statistical analysis such as mean scores, percentages, frequency distribution and standard deviations. The relationship between convention tours, marketing of convention facilities, length of visitors‟ stays and visitor spending in convention facilities was determined by use of linear regression analysis. Results showed that convention tour activities, marketing of convention facilities, visitor stay and spending and consumer preference had a positive and statistically significant relationship with tourism performance in Nairobi. Based on the study findings, the study concluded that the independent variables influence tourism performance. Conventional tourism has contributed annual revenue of Ksh 723M. However, managers of convention facilities have not been able to market intensively in the global market. This study recommends promotion of convention tour activities to attract tourists while implementing policies to extensively market convention facilities. This study also recommends provision of a favourable economic and political environment and diversification of tourism products in order to promote visitor stay and spending.Item Influence of Cultural Practices on Tourism Development in Baringo County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2019-01) Chebotibin, Diana J.Baringo is a cultures-diverse county that hosts communities including the Pokot, Ilchamus, Tugen and other Kenyan communities. This makes the county a true definition of social and cultural diversity. Although Baringo is known for cultural diversity, existence of item based tourism rather than market based poses a danger to cultural tourism development. Whilst stiff competition is encountered on conventional tourists‟ destination, there is need of increasing supply of cultural attractions in Baringo. The study investigated the influence of cultural practices on tourism development in Baringo County, Kenya. Exploratory research design utilizing mixed method that is qualitative and quantitative methods was used. The target unit of analysis was the 7 Destination managers, 3 county government officials, 399 Community members and 395 tourists. The sample size used was 804 respondents. Data was collected by administration of questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics which are the Pearson correlation and regression. The findings both for tourists and community members indicated that there was a positive and significant relationship between cultural practices (cultural festivals, custom & artefacts and traditional rituals) and tourism development in Baringo County. Cultural festival and tourism development were positively and significant related (r=0.228, p=0.00). Result also indicated that customs & artefacts and tourism development were positively and significant related (r=0.223, p=0.00). Similarly, it was established that traditional rituals and tourism development were positively and significantly related (r=0.129, p=0.001). However, cattle rustling had a negative effect on tourism development in Baringo County (r= -0.024), p=0.497). The regression analysis indicated that cultural festivals had the largest influence on tourism development, followed by custom & artefacts, traditional rituals and finally cattle rustling with negative influence on tourism development. The other factors that attracted tourists to Baringo County included Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Lake Baringo, rugged terrains and beautiful valleys. Tourism development is influenced by cultural practices which if well developed, it could lead to fast tourism development in Baringo County. From the findings and conclusion made, the following recommendations were made; new tourism products should be developed from culture, culture has a huge untapped potential for tourism. The traditional rituals whose permission is granted should be developed for tourism attraction e.g. rain making process and traditional cleansing ceremonies. Cultural festivals should be prioritized in the tourism sector, so that it can boost tourism as well as conserving the culture. Customs and artefacts should be profiled and documented for easy access by the tourists. Cattle rustling should be fully eradicated to avoid tourism migration.Item Instructors’ perceived Facilitation Efficacy in Outdoor Adventure Programs in Kenya a Case of Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership(Kenyatta University, 2018-11) Kimtai, Rotich JonathanPositive outcomes of outdoor adventure programs depend on the efficacy of the facilitation process. This study sought to assess outdoor instructors’ perceived facilitation efficacy in outdoor adventure programs in Kenya –case of Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership (KESAL). The objectives of the study were to establish facilitation efficacy of outdoor adventure instructors, to determine whether there were significance differences in the facilitation efficacy of the outdoor adventure facilitators based on their gender, experience, and education level. The study also set out to find out the perceived effectiveness of instructor-participant ratio as used in facilitation of the outdoor programs in KESAL. A case study research design was adopted for the study. Data for the study was collected using instructors effectiveness questionnaire (IEQ) questionnaire coupled with structured interviews with five key informants. Data generated was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.A total of 135 KESAL outdoor instructors and KDF cadets successfully completed the questionnaires out of 170 issued. The respondents comprised of 50 outdoor instructors and 85 Kenya Defence Force (KDF) cadets who attended an outdoor education course at Kenya School of Adventure and Leadership. Assessment on the influence of gender on facilitation efficacy indicated male instructors to have high mean compared to female instructors with an independent t-test establishing a significant difference between male and female KESAL outdoor instructors facilitation efficacy p<0.01. There was no significant difference; ANOVA, p>0.01, in terms of education levels and outdoor instructors’ perceived efficacy. In terms of experience and facilitation efficacy of KESAL outdoor instructors, there was no significant difference p>0.01. Instructor- participants’ ratio of 1: (4-6) was preferred by many respondents (KESAL outdoor instructors and KDF cadets) 61%. Nevertheless, a good number of respondents 18% supported the ratio 1: 12 which was the current ratio used at KESAL, independent t-test did not establish statistical difference in instructor-participants ratio preference according to gender p>0.01.The study concluded that KESAL outdoor instructors facilitation efficacy was beyond average. However, there were found to have difficulties in managing stress of participants. The study recommended KESAL to empower females with the aim of appealing to them to enroll in outdoor oriented courses. KESAL to further ensure outdoor instructors maintain outdoor instructors’ motivation through policies that promotes instructors to work long in the institutions and others methods such as positive feedback, appreciation, constructive criticism, tours and occasionally appreciation tokens. It was also recommended that further studies need to explore the technical skills of KESAL outdoor instructors in order to have a comparable literature to affirm conclusions on the efficacy of the instructors.