Kenya Wildlife Service Research Articles

Preparedness and Response to Flooding Risks by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park, Nakuru County, Kenya

Floods are short-lived events that occur abruptly with little to no warning and are among the most dangerous disasters relating to weather due to the hazardous conditions caused for people, the destruction of property and the loss of life as well. Thus, minimizing flooding impacts timely and passing accurate information is critical in flood preparedness and response. Previous studies have focused on the probability of floods occurring and their magnitude, therefore leaving a knowledge gap on preparedness and response to flooding risks in national parks by government agencies in Kenya. Hell’s Gate National Park experiences significant flash flooding; therefore, it provided a good venue to study the levels of preparation and response mechanisms available in Kenyan national parks. The objectives of the study were to understand the level of preparedness and mechanisms to respond to flooding events by Kenya Wildlife Service in Hells Gate National Park. The study was guided by a descriptive research design which involved collecting quantitative and qualitative data from 118 park users and other key informants. The study found that the Kenya Wildlife Service plays a crucial role in flood preparedness and response, but there is room for improvement in early warning systems, hazard map distribution, and user education because only 36.6% of the respondents were aware of escape routes to be used during floods. In terms of recommendations, the study found that it is crucial to enhance the existing flood preparedness and response mechanisms within the park including investing in advanced technology for early warning systems, conducting regular drills, and fostering community engagement and partnerships, continuous improvement of flood preparedness and response plans, along with a robust communication strategy.

Assessing the Importance of Work-Life Balance Initiatives in Employee Satisfaction

The study examines how work-life balance policies affect job satisfaction among employees, with a primary focus on the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) but also taking other organizational contexts into consideration. The study assesses how job design, flexible cheduling, and fringe benefits affect job satisfaction among KWS employees using a descriptive survey approach. The results underscore the need of executing work-life balance programs to augment employee contentment and organizational efficacy.The study recommends that KWS management should develop and implement policies supportive of work-life balance at all departmental levels. Moreover, it suggests the necessity for similar research in diverse organizational settings to compare outcomes and guide broader policy decisions.In addition, a review paper also looks at the empirical data and theoretical underpinnings of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction and productivity. It summarizes the body of research and shows how work-life balance efforts contribute to employee engagement, well-being, and organizational effectiveness. In order to foster a more welcoming and effective workplace culture, the review emphasizes the significance of creating a work environment that supports employees’ work-life balance.Furthermore, a quantitative study carried out in Estonia looks into the relationship between work-life balance regulations and employees’ job satisfaction in travel agencies. The research offers valuable perspectives for organizational tactics targeted at augmenting worker contentment and overall efficiency. These research projects advance our knowledge of the importance of work-life balance practices in promoting employee well-being and organizational performance by taking into account a range of contexts and techniques.

Assessment of Socio-Economic Gender Issues Affecting Women’s Participation in Alpine Tourism: A Case Study of Mt. Kenya National Park

The study sought to investigate the socio-economic gender issues affecting women's participation in alpine tourism in Mt. Kenya National Park. The study was guided by the following objectives: to assess the social gender issues affecting women's participation in alpine tourism and to analyse the economic gender issues affecting women's participation in alpine tourism. The study used a descriptive research design, and data was collected through structured closed-ended questionnaires distributed to 133 women participating in alpine tourism activities. 107 questionnaires were duly filled and returned. Structured interviews were conducted with the officials of Kenya Wildlife Service and the leaders of Mt. Kenya Guides and Porters Association. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis, and quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that the marital status of the female mountain crew was the dominant social gender issue affecting women's participation in alpine tourism as most guides, porters and cooks were unmarried, and for those who were married, the majority of them experienced challenges relating to balancing work and family responsibilities. The study also established that there is a wage disparity between men and women working as guides, porters, and cooks. The study recommends the need for policy makers to implement policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, ensuring equal opportunities for women to engage in alpine tourism activities such as guiding, portering and cooking.In addition, the study recommends the need to develop family-friendly policies which enable married women to fully participate in alpine tourism activities without compromising their family duties. The study also recommends the need for the Nyeri County Department of Tourism, Trade, Culture and Cooperative Development in partnership with Mt. Kenya Guides and Porters Association, to organise short course training on mountaineering and capacity-building programs to enhance the English language proficiency of female porters and cooks, thereby improving their communication skills and enabling them to interact more effectively with tourists. The study further recommends the need for Mt. Kenya Guides and Porters Association to undertake a sensitisation forum for its members about sexual harassment subjected to female mountain crew by men participating in alpine tourism activities

<b>Total Quality Management Practices and Performance of Kenya Wildlife Service in Nairobi County, Kenya</b>

The crucial element of the tourist industry in Kenya is its national parks. More than a million tourists from other countries travel to Kenya each year to take part in nature tourism, including wildlife safaris. However, Kenya Wildlife Services is being faced by various challenges one of them being decline in revenue collection by 14% between 2017 to 2020, (Kenya Wildlife Service’s Annual report, 2020). There has been decline in the volume of international tourists visiting the national parks, human wildlife conflict, encroachment and poaching, and poor infrastructure. Despite wide acceptability of total quality management as a process intervention to maintain organizational performance, the organization is still striving to improve their poor performance which has been attributed to poor implementing of total quality management practices. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the influence of total quality management practices and the performance of Kenya Wildlife Service in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific goals were to investigate how employee involvement, employee training, support from top management, and a focus on customers affected performance. The study was guided by social exchange theory, human capital theory and dynamic capability theory. A descriptive survey research design has been used in this study. The target population of this study was the Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi City County, Kenya, and it contained 271 managers and support staff from ten departments. In this study, the method of stratified sampling has been applied and a simplified random sample was selected from the collected respondents. The number of respondents was 81. Primary data, collected using questionnaires, were used in the research. A pilot study was conducted in which 10 random respondents from each department were selected and did not take part in the final study. Validity was ensured through construct validity and content validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient has been used to measure reliability. The quantitative data have been analysed with descriptive statistical data like averages and standard deviations. Thematic analysis was used to examine qualitative data. The use of inferential statistics included regression and correlation analysis. Employee involvement, staff training, senior management commitment, and customer focus all had a significant impact on performance because of the study. According to the findings, employees become more trustworthy because of their participation in the organization. This makes them feel like they are a part of it. Employee training programs enhance employees' knowledge and abilities to meet the industry's ever-changing demands. Through leadership and dedication to the overall quality management objective of customer satisfaction, the organization's top management commits to fostering a culture of overall quality and customer satisfaction within the organization. The customer focus approach adds value to customers by meeting their needs and wants through personalized experiences and products. The study recommended that the management of organizations should be more involved in defining and communicating a strong vision for their organization, ensuring that they acquire and develop excellent talent, and ensuring that they are in a good position. Training Programmes for staff should be tailored to their needs, and they should have access to educational opportunities which are in line with the employees' needs. The general objectives of the company and its targets should be clearly communicated to all members of the organization by the Executive Management. To maintain customers' central role in the business, an organization should build a culture of customer centricity through its choice of qualified people that have been brought up with this mindset.

Challenges and Opportunities Resulting from Mau Forest Evictions of Ogiek Community, Kenya

This paper presents the results and discussions of the objective of the study, which assessed the challenges and opportunities resulting from the evictions of the Ogiek people from the Mau Forest Complex. The study looked at the challenges faced by the Ogiek and the government following the evictions. Secondly, it examined the opportunities that the Ogiek community and the government experienced after the evictions. Public interest and human needs theories underpinned the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 465 respondents, who included 384 household heads, 1 county commissioner, 2 deputy county commissioners, 7 chiefs, 14 village elders, 1 county police commander, 2 sub-county police commanders, 5 conservationist organizations, 5 environmentalist groups, 1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) officer, 1 UN Habitat officer, 1 officer from the ministry of environment, 10 officers from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), 10 officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), 5 officers from NGOs, 1 officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and 15 heads of NGOs and CBOs. The study applied simple random, purposive, and census sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and observation made up the data collection instruments. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data and was presented in tables, graphs, and charts. The study examined the challenges and opportunities of Mau forest evictions, where poaching, animal attacks, hunger, malnutrition, mental illnesses, and poor health plagued the Ogiek community. The study recommends clear and transparent guidelines regarding the eviction process and any form of compensation set and discussed with the affected households so as to avoid unnecessary impoverishment and protect livelihoods. This information is useful as it will better inform forest managers, policymakers, and other actors in their efforts to fairly and responsibly manage and balance ecological and social development. The study suggests that the government of Kenya adopts a more humane and sustainable relocation policy and involves the Ogiek community in decision-making and investment in alternative livelihoods.

Effects of Mau Forest Evictions on Human Security of the Ogiek Community, Kenya

Forest communities have had to globally endure evictions, sometimes forceful, due to the need for governments to conserve the environment by protecting forests from negative human actions. The Ogiek are hunters and gatherers and rely mainly on wild fruits, beekeeping, and game hunting as a source of livelihood. Animals, e.g., hyrax, were hunted. The Ogiek's lives and sources of livelihood are highly dependent on the forest. The Ogiek community of Mau Forest, Kenya, is a forest community that has faced a similar fate since the colonial period. This study sought to establish the effects of Mau Forest evictions on the human security of the Ogiek community in Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 465 respondents, who included 384 household heads, 1 county commissioner, 2 deputy county commissioners, 7 chiefs, 14 village elders, 1 county police commander, 2 sub-county police commanders, 5 conservationist organisations, 5 environmentalist groups, 1 UNEP officer, 1 UN Habitat officer, 1 officer from the ministry of environment, 10 officers from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), 10 officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), 5 officers from NGOs, 1 officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and 15 heads of NGOs and CBOs. The study applied simple random, purposive, and census sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, FGDs, and observation made up the data collection instruments. SPSS version 26 was used to analyse quantitative data. The data revealed that the Mau forest evictions had negative effects on Ogiek human security, including deaths (86%), injuries (97%), destruction of homes (98%), farms (80%), livestock (52%), illness (95%), lack of sanitation (92%), gender-based violence (69%), disruption of schooling (100%), loss of culture (94%), separation from family (88%), loss of livelihoods (98%), and increased human-wildlife conflicts (78%). 100% of respondents feared for their safety. The study revealed that the evictions had negative effects on the Ogiek community on virtually all seven elements of human security, namely economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security. The study contributes to the literature on indigenous land rights and human security, informs policymakers, and assists policy implementers in carrying out government directives without violating people's rights. It is also essential for civil society leaders. The study recommends that clear and transparent guidelines regarding the eviction process and any form of compensation be set and discussed with the affected households so as to avoid unnecessary impoverishment and protect livelihoods. The study further reckons that the government should adopt a more humane and sustainable relocation policy and provide alternative ways of livelihood to the victims.

Influence of Settlement Activities on Sustainable Households’ Livelihoods of the Inhabitants in Mount Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, Kenya

Mount Elgon Forest has declined primarily due to anthropogenic activities. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of settlement activities on sustainable household’s livelihoods of inhabitants in Mount Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, Kenya. This study used cross-sectional research design and mixed methodology. The target population was 12842 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest service personnel and 1 NEMA official. A sample of 373 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest Service Personnel and 1 NEMA official took part in the study. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Validity was determined by consulting supervisors while reliability was ascertained through piloting and use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, Standard deviation and Pearson Correlation analysis. Qualitative data was thematically classified and arranged before being reported in narrations and quotations. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. The study found a significant positive correlation between settlement activities and sustainable households’ livelihoods (r = .614; p = .000). It was recommended that there was a need to devise ways of reducing population density and land fragmentation leading to reduced dependency on forest products. The findings of the study will be crucial to professional bodies and institutions such as Kenya Forest service, Kenya wildlife service and NEMA in relooking at the approaches that enhance livelihoods among forest users and thus come up with strategies for effective management of forests improving on sustainable livelihoods.

The Role of Training in Harmonizing Views Regarding Traditional Consumptive Uses of Wildlife among Students at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

A two step study was conducted in October 2021 to determine views of pre-service and in-service students regarding consumptive wildlife utilization in Kenya. Pre-service respondents were fresh school leavers while in-service respondents were rangers employed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. A self-administered, closed ended, drop-and-collect questionnaire was used to obtain data on students’ views regarding traditional consumptive uses of wildlife just before and after their 18 month diploma in wildlife management program at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute. Respondents were required to indicate whether they supported or opposed t use of wildlife as (i) source of meat for human consumption, (ii) source of ceremonial wear, (iii) source of traditional medicine, (iv) source of ornaments, and (v) a sacrifice in religious ceremonies. A “not sure” option was provided for respondents who were undecided about an item. Questionnaire return rate was 100% for both studies with a respondent number of 30 for the first and 28 for the second study respectively. Before their training, pre-service students strongly supported consumptive wildlife use while in-service students strongly supported non-consumptive use. After their training however, both pre-service and in-service students were strongly supportive of non-consumptive wildlife use. The shift in views of pre-service students was associated with the knowledge, attitudes and values imparted in them during their training. More related studies are recommended. Keywords: attitude, consumptive use, Kenya, non-consumptive use, training, wildlife. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-6-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2023

Effect of Organizational Culture Change on Organizational Performance of Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi National Park

Change is inevitable and is seen as a practice for organizations seeking to continuously provide quality services that meet stakeholder needs. Efficient and effective public service delivery has forced state corporations to adopt organizational culture change management to accommodate changes in the environment. However, government parastatals and state corporations such as Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) often oppose transformation and change because they have uncertain outcomes and come with a lot of challenges. This study determined the effect of culture change on organizational performance at Kenya Wildlife Service Nairobi National Park. The study was guided by Geert Hofstede’s theory as the framework for cross-cultural communication, Edgar Schein’s model as the cultural inventions by a specific group, and the Denison dimension model theory. Using descriptive survey research design, on a target population of 100 employees drawn from various departments at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Nairobi National Park, a structured questionnaire was used for data collection to effectively respond to the research problem. The study revealed that majority (35.9%) of the respondents were convinced that management ensures that old habits that are not effective are dropped and at the same time the management at KWS encourages employees to adapt to changes and be flexible, especially when the work environment is changing. Results revealed that KWS management ensures the organizational culture supports vision, goal and strategies. The respondents (40.5%) also agreed that managers encourage employees to adapt to changes and to care (35.9%) about fellow employees, customers, and stakeholders. The findings also revealed that 28.9% of the respondents agreed that managers are role models for employees in the organization and set standards for ethics. Correlation analyses show that culture affects performance directly and indirectly. The study concludes that organizational culture aligned with vision, goals, and company strategies guides employees towards a shared purpose and improves an organization’s capacity to perform excellently. We also conclude that KWS management encourages work ethics through consistency, and effective communication that improves work commitment that ultimately leads to better performance. The study recommends that there is need for more to be done on culture change as an approach to change management to improve performance. The mission, vision, and strategies are key to organizational performance and need to be reviewed from time to time to ensure that the organization lives its mission and moves towards its vision while applying its strategies. The study further recommends a replica of the same trial in other Kenya Wildlife Service branches in order to authenticate the findings and enable the generalization of the results.

Long-term trends in elephant mortality and their causes in Kenya

High mortality poses a serious threat to sustainable conservation of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Using detected carcass data collected by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) during 1992-2017, we analyze temporal and spatial variation in elephant mortality in Kenya. We investigate the major mortality causes and means used to kill elephants, carcass category, tusk recovery status, variation in mortality with elephant age and sex classes, differences between inside and outside protected areas (PAs), the Proportion of Illegally Killed Elephants (PIKE) and the overall mortality rate (MR — the number of dead/number of live elephants in a given year). In total 9,182 elephant deaths were recorded during the 26 years. Elephant mortality increased over time and was attributed primarily to natural (33.1%) and human-related causes, particularly ivory poaching (31.5%) and human-elephant conflicts (19.9%). Elephant mortality varied across Kenya’s 47 counties in correspondence with variation in elephant population size and was the highest in the leading elephant range counties of Taita Taveta, Laikipia, Samburu and Meru. Mortality was higher for males and adults and outside the protected areas. Most elephant carcasses had tusks (75.1%) but a few did not (12.5%). Yearly PIKE values peaked in 2012, the year with the highest poaching levels in Kenya during 1992-2017. MR increased throughout 1992-2017. Temporal variation in elephant mortality probability was significantly influenced by human and livestock population densities, average annual maximum temperature and total annual rainfall and the strength of these influences varied across the seven leading elephant range counties of Kenya. Natural processes are increasingly contributing to elephant mortality likely due to climate change and the associated food and water stress, exacerbated by contracting range. Enhancing anti-poaching and strategies for mitigating climate change impacts and human-elephant conflict and reducing range contraction while sustaining habitat connectivity can help reduce mortality and promote elephant conservation. Strengthening enforcement of international wildlife laws can further reduce illegal trade in tusks and killing of elephants.

Monkey menace in Kwa Vonza/Yatta Ward, Kitui County, Kenya: Threat to food and nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods

Since time immemorial, farmers in the arid and semi-arid lands in Kitui County have had many challenges in attaining food and nutrition security. This is largely attributed to inadequate rains, crop diseases, pests, and crop damage by wild animals among others factors. However, the monkey menace and its threats to food security and sustainable livelihoods in Kitui County are not documented. On this basis, a socio-economic survey was carried out in Kwa Vonza/Yatta ward, Kitui Rural constituency in Kitui County to establish i) the extent of damage by monkeys in the ecosystems ii) socio-economic impacts caused by monkeys iii) mitigation measures employed to control the monkey menace in Kitui rural constituency. The socio-economic survey, using one hundred and fifty (150) respondents, revealed that 65% of the respondents indicated that the monkey menace was a threat to food security, and human and livestock life. The respondents noted that monkeys damage their crops (cereals, fruits, and vegetables) on the farm, kill kids of goats and lambs of sheep, and damage food in stores and kitchens. In extreme cases of dry spells, 25% of the respondents indicated the monkeys caused physical injuries to children when the monkeys are looking for food in their homesteads. The respondents felt that the government, through Kenya wildlife services, should intervene to control the monkey population in the hilly habitats for the farmers to have gainful agricultural production and sustainable livelihoods.

Formation of Participatory Forest Management Boundaries for Governance of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, in Kenya

Many natural resource management studies have researched on participatory forest management of forests. But current literature indicates that studies on the formation of participatory forest management boundaries for governance of forests are scanty. Thus this paper uses Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve as a case study to examine the extent to which its forest resource and resource users’ boundaries are developed by utilizing a qualitative approach for data collection. The researchers purposively sampled 100 respondents from communities involved in participatory forest management and 90 non-participating communities in the participatory forest management arrangement. Also 30 key informants from heads of government agencies such as Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museum of Kenya, Non-Governmental Organizations such as Nature Kenya, Community Based Organizations and leaders from the business community working in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Management were utilized in the study. The analysis of qualitative data from written notes and audio recordings was coded into similar themes and used to answer the study objective. The results show that both participating and non-participating communities in the participatory forest arrangement are aware of the forest resource and resource users’ boundaries. It is concluded that boundaries are essential in governance of forest resource and users’ boundaries. It is recommended that policy makers need to clearly define boundaries for resource use and resource users’ for enhanced conservation of forest resource and improved community livelihoods.

The militarization of conservation: a different perspective

Is the increased use in wildlife conservation of techniques derived from military and security services appropriate? One aspect of this issue that remains poorly considered is whether all actors engaged in conservation projects that have a security orientation are engaged primarily in conservation. Western intelligence agencies are known to have used non-government aid organizations (NGOs) as cover for clandestine operations. Does this happen in conservation? In one example, a previous US President expressed concern that ivory trafficking represented a national security threat to the USA, following a report claiming that ivory trafficking was funding terrorist networks in Africa. Coincident with this new reason for concern regarding elephant poaching, a US-based conservation NGO employed staff from US military intelligence to develop and run an intelligence fusion center with the Kenya Wildlife Service. After a few years, the head of the operation left the NGO and returned directly to her career in military intelligence. Without access to classified information, it is impossible to determine if this was coincidence. Analytical tools, including some developed by the intelligence community, could be used to better assess whether some conservation programs are cover for clandestine operations. In the meantime, conservation professionals need to consider the possibility that there could be serving officers of intelligence agencies inside conservation NGOs. In order to ensure the security of conservation workers and the acceptance of conservation programs worldwide, all national governments should offer unequivocal guarantees that conservation NGOs are not being used for covert intelligence operations.

An Overview of the Fisheries Resources Institutions in Kenya

There has been a steady evolution and growth of fisheries institutions in Kenya. The enactment of the Fisheries Management and Development Act (FMDA), 2016 led to the establishment of the Kenya Fisheries Service (KFS), a state corporation, backed by other institutions such as the Kenya Fisheries Council (KFC) and the Kenya Fish Marketing Authority (KFMA). The establishment of these institutions is especially important because of the current focus on the fisheries sector in the country and beyond. However, it is contended in this paper that the institutions cannot deliver on their mandates unless all the governance instruments are put in place including the Fisheries Management and Development (Marine and Inland Fisheries) Regulations, the Beach Management Units (BMU) Regulations, and the Fish Safety regulations. What is more, the archaic Fisheries Policy, 2005 should be reviewed and updated in line with the present legislation and the African Union (AU) Africa Blue Economy Strategy, 2019. Lastly, there is need to streamline and harmonise the functions and mandates of all institutions. For instance, the certificate and diploma courses on fisheries currently being offered by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) should now be transferred to the newly established KFS where the course should naturally belong. In terms of reform areas, the FMDA, 2016 needs to be amended to create a formal intergovernmental consultative forum in line with the intentions of its section 2.

Community Attitudes and Knowledge on Conservation of Rothschild’s Giraffes in Ruma National Park and Mwea National Reserve in Kenya

The attitude and conservation knowledge of Rothschild’s giraffe ecosystems by host communities is critical in sustainability of parks and reserves in Kenya. This study was conducted in two different giraffe habitats, namely Ruma National Park and Mwea National Reserve in Kenya. The objective of the study was to assess the attitudes and wildlife conservation knowledge of the local community towards the adjacent protected area. A descriptive research design that involved administering of closed ended questionnaires in the survey was used to obtain data from the local Community. Binary logistic regression was applied on statistical data to ascertain the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variables of the study. To ascertain the intensity of attitudes and knowledge, a likert scale was used. In addition, a statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05) was used to ascertain inferences from the results. The results indicate that, the community’s perception of wildlife conservation Knowledge was moderate χ2 (1,315) =31.641, p=0.000. Their attitude score based on the rating of the future of the Park and Reserve was low (F (4, 275) = 11.104, p = 0.000). However, the majority of the community (90%) felt the need to be involved further in the process of decision making in matters pertaining to conservation of the park and the reserve. Based on the findings, the study recommends that, Kenya Wildlife Service should involve the community in the decision making and management of these protected areas. In addition, the host communities should be capacity built on wildlife conservation approaches in Ruma National Park and Mwea National Reserve.

9 - The Use of Land to Generate Political Support

Abstract

COMMUNICATION MESSAGES FOR PROMOTION OF TOURISM IN HOMABAY COUNTY

This paper presents an assessment of the relationship between communication messages and tourism promotion. Homabay county located in Kenya's western tourists circuit is rich in tourists' attractions, but continue to receive very little tourists as a result of limited publicity. Promotion of tourism is necessary to enable the sector generate revenue to the county and improve the livelihood of the people around the area. The objective of the study was therefore to assess existing communication messages for promotion of tourism in Homabay county. In Kenya many tourists continue to ock certain destinations that have been frequently visited over the years, such as the Coastal and Nairobi Circuits. The study therefore sought to nd out if the missing link in tourism promotion in Homabay county was communication messages. The study was guided by Media framing theory. The approach used was mixed and data was collected using questionnaires that were issued to tourists, interviews with Homabay county government ofcials and with employees of Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). Custodians of the selected tourists' sites were also interviewed. Homabay county integrated development plan was also analyzed. A sample of 93 tourists took part, the entire population of the remaining categories of the respondents was used in the study, totaling to 100 participants. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using manual open coding and NVivo 11 software while quantitative data was analysed statistically using SPSS 23.0. The study established that the promotional messages contained cultural and historical information while highlighting the uniqueness of the sites. Framing of messages for tourism promotion in a persuasive and convincing manner evokes in the actual or potential tourists the desire to visit a tourist's destination.

INFLUENCE OF CONTENT FRAMING ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA AND AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DISCOURSE IN KENYA

Audience perception of wildlife conservation discourse in Kenya has been negative as evidenced in the results of conservation efforts. The purpose of this study was to interrogate the moderating influence of media content framing in the relationship between media and audience perception. The study employed convergent parallel mixed methods design. The population in this study comprised of three groups namely; sampled media practitioners in three media houses in Kenya; residents living next to national parks in four out of the eight conservation areas in Kenya as delineated by Kenya Wildlife Service; and park managers in the four sampled national parks. A questionnaire was administered to 83 human-wildlife conflict resolution committee members. This generated quantitative data while qualitative data was generated from interviews with 6 media practitioner, 12 park managers, and Focus Group Discussions with 4 groups of human-wildlife conflict resolution committee officials each comprising of 8 participants The study applied both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. Results indicated that half (50%) of the total respondents from the three media houses focus on messages that can solve the conflicts that exist between wildlife and human beings as a factor when framing wildlife conservation messages touching on human-wildlife conflict. There was a general perception among participants that the media tend to emphasize the interests of state (KWS) more than those of the common man, thus the view that the media cannot fully be trusted to report matters from the perspective of the common man. This undermines the role of the media in educating the audience to appreciate wildlife and therefore conserve it. The study concludes that the target audiences are not satisfied with the manner in which these messages are communicated. As the media highlight the plight of the wildlife, it should equally communicate the plight of the communities.The study therefore reocommends more training of journalists and park managers to enhance sensitive flaming and reporting of wildlife conservation messages.

Flooding of Lake Nakuru National Park and Its Effects on the Resident Wildlife

Lake Nakuru is one of Kenya’s Rift Valley Lakes and lies within the Lake Nakuru National Park. As a key habitat for flamingos and other water birds, the lake is a major tourist attraction. Lake Nakuru National Park covers an area of approximately 188 km2 and is fully enclosed with a perimeter fence. The park is home to about 56 different species of mammals, 550 plant species, and 450 species of terrestrial birds as well as flamingos and other water birds. In the last decade, the lake has experienced continuous flooding, increasing the lake area from 35 km2 in 2009 to 54 km2 in 2018. This impacted negatively on the available space for wildlife. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this flooding on the wildlife and their habitats in Lake Nakuru National Park. The methodology used Land use Land cover (LULC) interpretation of Landsat Satellite imagery from two epochs, 2009 and 2018, and integration of the results with relevant wildlife data provided by Kenya Wildlife Service. The results, which include LULC change maps and wildlife distribution maps, have shown that the flooding impacted negatively on the available space for wildlife. In addition, the floods also compromised key park infrastructures such as roads and the main gate making it very difficult to maintain the normal park operations, and hence adversely affecting the local and national economies. The information provided by this study is useful for planning mitigation measures in respect of the current and potential future flooding.

Comparative analysis of the typology, seasonality and economic cost of human-wildlife conflict in Kajiado and Laikipia Counties, Kenya

Human –wildlife conflicts (HWC) affect the social-economic aspects of millions of people across the world and is one of the most important challenges facing wildlife conservation. Long-term data collection provides an opportunity to critically understand HWC trends and enable wildlife stakeholders to create evidence-based solutions for co-existence of people and wildlife. We used Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) data for the 2010-2018 period to analyse trends in typology, seasonality and economic costs of HWC in Kajiado and Laikipia Counties in Kenya. A total of 953 HWC reported cases in the two counties were analysed. Wildlife threats to human life, crop damage and livestock predation were the common form of HWC, contributing 65.7% (n=626), 21.7% (n=207), and 7.7% (n=73) respectively. Apart from livestock predation (t=2.431; P=0.028) all other types of HWC did not show any significant differences in the two counties over the nine-year period. Elephants were responsible for the highest conflict cases (79%, n=753) followed by baboons (6.9%, n=66). Elephants contributed to the highest human fatality and injuries (43%, n=10); while snakes and buffalo were second, each contributing to 17% (n=4) of the total cases. Majority of the HWC occurred in the dry season months of July (n=114), January (n=99) and October (n=96). The overall trend indicated increasing HWC cases over the 9 years in both counties. The analysis of economic cost of HWC showed that a total of 64.09 hectares of crops were damaged in 2010-2018, with 70% of the cases reported in Kajiado County. In terms of predation, Kajiado lost livestock worth KES 1,785, 000 (U$ 16,780.53) while Laikipia lost KES 407,000 (U$ 3826.15). This study provides empirical evidence that can be used to develop strategies for mitigating HWC based on types, seasons and conflict species.