Role of Risk Assessment Strategies on Success of Sports Tourism Events in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2025-08
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Kenya’s sports tourism industry faces a significant obstacle due to the absence of long-term,
sustainable strategic planning and development. A key indicator of this challenge is the spread of
numerous small and medium-sized accommodation facilities across the country, many of which
operate outside the formal tourism development framework and contribute little to regional
growth. Compared to other branches of tourism, sports tourism remains underdeveloped and
undervalued in Kenya and across much of Africa. One critical component in managing sporting
events is risk assessment, which involves the combined efforts of organizers, municipal authorities,
police, and safety agencies to ensure secure and successful events. The purpose of this study was
to assess the effect of risk assessment methodologies on the success of sports tourism events.
Specifically, the study sought to: profile sports tourism events and venues in Nairobi City County,
Kenya; examine the influence of risk assessment and risk management strategies on sports tourism
events and evaluate the moderating role of financial capability in the relationship between risk
assessment, risk management strategies, and sports tourism events within Nairobi City County. A
descriptive research design was employed, focusing on 17 major sporting venues in the county.
The study engaged a total of 340 participants and 69 managers, with 17 managers and 105 athletes
selected purposively. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires and interview guides,
which allowed respondents to share their views freely. Both descriptive and inferential statistics
were used to analyze the data. Linear regression modeling was applied to establish the relationship
between the independent variables (risk assessment and risk management strategies) and the
dependent variable (success of sports tourism events). Results were presented in tables, charts, and
bar graphs. Findings from the multiple linear regression analysis showed a coefficient of
determination (R²) of 0.700, indicating that 70% of the variation in the success of sports tourism
events could be explained by risk assessment and risk management strategies. Moreover, the
relationship between these strategies and event success was found to be positive and statistically
significant (β = 0.837, p = 0.000 < 0.05). The study further revealed that financial capability had
a moderating effect on the relationship between risk assessment strategies and the success of sports
tourism events. Based on these findings, it was concluded that effective risk assessment and
management practices play a crucial role in the success of sports tourism. The study therefore
recommends the adoption of a multi-agency approach to enhance risk assessment procedures and
protocols, ensuring that sporting events are managed more effectively and sustainably in Nairobi
City County
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science in Hospitality Management in the School of Business, Economics and Tourism of Kenyatta University, August, 2025
Supervisor:
1.Jane Bitok
2.Shem Wambugu Maingi