Assessing the mechanisms employed by the county government to curb environmental challenges affecting tourism (case study of narok county)

Abstract

The Kenyan tourism structure is highly dependent on the environment like any other economic sector. Environmental protection and preservation is important for the thriving of tourism in the country. Narok County has in the past and still presents Kenya as a high class tourism destination due to the vastness of attractions within the County, among them the globally renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve. Tourism in Narok County plays a significant role in both economic and social development and is among the major income earners for the County. The present environmental challenges in Narok County pose a threat to tourism‟s development in the County. The government amongst other tourism stakeholders plays a significant role in shaping the direction of tourism at both national and the County level, this more so towards environmental sustainability. The research covered Narok County specifically the County Government as the target population. The study assumed a case study design, employing purposive sampling technique, with the aim of assessing the measures that have been employed by the Narok County Government to curb the present and predictable environmental challenges that affect tourism performance in the County. The study through the UNWTO‟s “environmental sustainability indicators framework” found out that several measures and plans had been put into place by the County Government to deal with these environmental challenges with a better part of these challenges affecting the Maasai Mara National Reserve which is the highest contributor to tourism within the county. The research employed the descriptive data analysis method.