Policy options for the development of an indigenous tourism SME sector in Kenya.

Abstract

Abstract This chapter analyses the current scenario for tourism development in Kenya, identifying that the extant model of tourism development is based on an anachronistic 'colonial' model, with tourism receipts by foreign-owned companies leaking from Kenya rather than contributing to in-country poverty alleviation. The chapter goes on to describe an 'ideal scenario', with tourism development owned and controlled by Kenyans. The chapter places special emphasis on the potential role of indigenous and small and medium-sized enterprises, in line with the UNDP sustainable livelihoods approach and the criteria for poverty alleviation developed by the World Tourism Organization. Obstacles to the achievement of the ideal scenario are identified and discussed. In addressing these obstacles, it is suggested that there needs to be a policy framework for tourism development that is integrated into wider country-building strategies to achieve the optimum exploitation of tourism resources for Kenya.