Local development planning and the tourism sector: prospects for reducing volatility in tourism impacts in Kenya

Abstract

Tourism has seen exponential growth over the past 60 years. In Africa there has been rapid growth, but considerably more variability. The impacts of this volatility are experienced most directly by local communities who typically have little input into decision-making about tourism and related investments. This article considers the case of Kenya, where in recent years tourism has become the leading source of foreign exchange. The article considers whether a more explicit focus on tourism planning by local development authorities with a focus on investments geared to support local tourism infrastructure would enable greater participation and generate longer-term benefits by reinforcing local planning capacity for tourism and other critical sectors. The article also addresses the feasibility of the administrative reforms which this strategy would entail.