Transboundary Environmental Project: conservation of natural resources and sustainable

development in pastoral semi-arid regions of Eastern Africa

Implemented by Terra Nuova in co-operation with Arid Lands, Oikos, AU-IBAR
Financed by the European Union, Contract B7-6200/2002/059-843/ROR

Assessment of the Potential of Ecotourism as Viable Enterprises in Southern

Garissa, Ijara and Lamu Districts: A Community Conservation and Enterprise
Support Initiative

1
Rose Sirali Antipa , 2 Mohamud Hashir Ali, 3 Ali Abdullahi Hussein,

1
Department of Environmental Research and planning, NEMA, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi, Kenya;
Tel +254 (0)20 601945/608767/605522; Fax +254 (0)20 608997/ 605530; E-mail: rsirali@yahoo.com;
rsirali@nema.go.ke
Website: http://www.nema.go.ke/
2
Department of Environmental Education, Information and Public Participation, NEMA- Office of the Provincial
Director of Environment, North Eastern Province, P.O. Box 294 – 70100, Garissa, Kenya; Tel +254 722 48249,
Email: hashirm2002@yahoo.com

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Transboundary Environmental Project (TEP), Department of Environmental Education, Terra Nuova, Eastern Africa,
P.O. Box 74916 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya; Tel +254 (0) 20 4445511/2, +254 46 2336, Garissa office
E-mail: shindeye2000@yahoo.com

September 2007
 Table of Content
• List of Acronyms ...............................................................................................................3
• List of Tables and Diagrams .............................................................................................4
• Definition of Terms ............................................................................................................5
• Acknowledgements ...........................................................................................................7
• Abstract ..............................................................................................................................8
• Chapter 1 Introduction and Background .......................................................................10
1.1 Key Characteristics of tourism in Kenya - A checklist ....................................................................... 13
1.2 Scope of the study................................................................................................................................ 13
• Chapter 2 Study Area ......................................................................................................14
2.1 Garissa and Ijara Districts.................................................................................................................... 14
2.2 Lamu district........................................................................................................................................ 15
2.3 Problem Statement............................................................................................................................... 15
2.4 Project Rationale/ Justification ............................................................................................................ 16
2.5 Project Objectives................................................................................................................................ 16
• Chapter 3 Research Methods .........................................................................................17
3.1 Primary data......................................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Secondary data..................................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................................... 18
• Chapter 4 Data presentation and analysis.....................................................................18
4.1 Literature Reviewed............................................................................................................................. 18
4.1.1 Policies that Support Eco-tourism Development.......................................................................... 20
4.1.2 Lessons learnt on eco-tourism development in Kenya ................................................................. 20
4.2 Field data presentation......................................................................................................................... 21
4.3 Stakeholder analysis ............................................................................................................................ 22
4.3.1 Eco-tourism stakeholders.............................................................................................................. 22
4.3.2 Accountable Authorities that Represent Community Interest ...................................................... 22
4.3.3 Institutional Strength and Weakness in Eco-tourism Development ............................................. 23
4.3.4 Eco-tourism training needs for institutions................................................................................... 24
4.4 Partnerships and Viability of Eco-tourism development..................................................................... 25
4.5 Options for community involvement in the three districts .................................................................. 26
4.6 Infrastructure for Eco-tourism Development....................................................................................... 27
4.7 On-going collaborative processes on Eco-tourism Development ....................................................... 28
4.7.1 Efforts by International Agencies................................................................................................. 28
4.7.3 Civil Society programmes ............................................................................................................ 29
4.7.4 Community Wildlife Conservancies t .......................................................................................... 29
4.8 Eco-tourism attractions in the three districts ....................................................................................... 29
4.8.1 Eco-Sites in the Districts .............................................................................................................. 29
4.8.2 Cultural beliefs /activities that attract tourists in the three districts.............................................. 35
4.8.3 Wildlife and forest attractions in the districts............................................................................... 36
4.9 Tourism earnings in Kenya.................................................................................................................. 37
4.9.1 Hotel Industry ............................................................................................................................... 37
4.9.2 Visitor Numbers............................................................................................................................ 39
4.9.3 Potential impacts of eco-tourism .................................................................................................. 40
4.9.4 Opportunity costs of eco-tourism to local communities in the area ............................................. 40
4.9.5 Challenges to Eco-tourism Development in the study area;......................................................... 41
• Chapter 5 Discussions ....................................................................................................42
5.1 Policies................................................................................................................................................. 42
5.2 Attractions in the region ...................................................................................................................... 42
5.3 Infrastructure........................................................................................................................................ 43
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5.4 Partnership on Eco-tourism Development........................................................................................... 43
• Chapter 6 Conclusion and recommendations...............................................................44
6.1 Recommendations................................................................................................................................ 44
6.2 Conclusion and Way forward .............................................................................................................. 45
• References .......................................................................................................................47
• Annexes............................................................................................................................48

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List of Acronyms
ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
ALRMP Arid Lands Resource Management Project
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CBOs Community Based Organizations
CDTF Community Development Trust Fund
COYA Company of the Year Award
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
DEO District Environment Officer
DEC District Environment Committee
DFO District Forest Officer
DDO District Development Officer
DSDO District Social development officer
EIA Environment Impact Assessment
EA Environment Audit
EMCA Environment Management and Coordination Act
ESOK Eco-tourism Society of Kenya
EU European Union
FC Field Coordinator
ICC Ijara County Council
ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management
IK Indigenous Knowledge
IYE International Year of Ecotourism
LG Local Government
KAA Kenya Airports Authority
KFS Kenya Forest Service
KPA Kenya Ports Authority
KTB Kenya Tourism Board
KWBCT Kipini Wildlife and Botanical conservancy trust
KWS Kenya Wildlife Service
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MENR Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
NGOs Non- Governmental Organizations
NEAP National Environment Action Plan
NMK National Museums of Kenya
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
PRSP Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
SOE State of Environment Report
SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats
TIES The International Ecotourism Society
TEP Trans- Boundary Environment Project
TN Terra Nuova
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNESCO United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization
WB World Bank
WWF World Wildlife Fund

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List of Tables and Diagrams
Table Page
Table 1 Ecotourism stakeholders in the three districts 25

Table 2 Institutional SWOT Analysis 26

Table 3 Eco-tourism Training needs of stakeholders 29

Table 4 Major Roads and their development status 32

Table 5a: Nationally threatened and regionally endemic forest species 36

Table 5b Eco- Sites in Lamu 36

Table 6 Eco- Sites in Ijara 38

Table 7 Eco-sites in Garissa 41

Table 8 Cultural beliefs/Activities that attract tourists in study sites 41

Table 9 Wildlife species that were spotted during the study 43

Table 10 Tax Earnings from Hotel Industry 44

Table 11 Major Hotels in Garissa, Ijara and Lamu 44

Table 12 Total earnings from employment in the hotel industry 45

Table 13 Bed capacity, Occupancy and Earnings 46

Table 14 Cost of accommodation at palace and Peponi Hotels, Lamu 46

Table 15 Potential positive and negative impacts 48

Diagrams
Diagram (a) Gender Analysis of the Interviewees

Diagram (b) Education Status of Interviewees

Diagram (c) Viability of Eco-tourism

Diagram (d) Community response on partnerships

Diagram (e) Community response on importance of ecological areas

Diagram (f) Total earnings from employment in the hotel industry

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Definition of Terms
Accessories- useful items though not essential, enhance guest’s enjoyment or utility, in the use
of the establishments.

Amenities- Useful features or facilities of a place or establishment that make guests stay there in
easier or pleasant.

Architectural Design- The extent to which a building is attractive and serves its purposes.

Beverages- Any type of drinks other than water taken as refreshments or with meals.

By-Laws- Regulations made by local communities

Cottage- Is a commercial established, characterized by a cluster of simply constructed units

offering holiday accommodation with or without self-catering facilities.

Communication services – Refers to all forms of communication such as postal, telephone,

telex, fax and e-mail as well as sale of accessories for the same.

Eco-tourism - responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and sustain the
well being of the local people

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – systematic examination conducted to determine

whether or not a programme activity or project would have any adverse impact on the
environment.

Environmental Audit (EA) is the systematic documented periodic and objective evaluation of
activities and programs in conformity with the approved environmental management plan of that
specific project and sound environmental management practices.

Endangered – when the known remaining population faces a very high risk of extinction in the
near future.

Endangered species - any species, which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range (due to man-made changes in their environment).

Indigenous knowledge (IK) may be defined as “unique, traditional, local knowledge existing
within and developed around the specific conditions of women and men indigenous to a particular
geographic area” (Grenier, 1998). It includes various knowledge and skills, often referred to in
some cases as Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) and Indigenous
Technological Knowledge (ITK), which is developed in an informal educational system
Inventory – a detailed list, report or record of resources, or the process of making such a list

Local dishes- Dishes featuring cuisine of the locality of the establishment.

Lodge- Is an accommodation established/ located within or near a natural habitat rich in Fauna
and Flora in which majority of clients are leisure seekers.

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Motel- Is an accommodation established/ Located along a highway, motorway catering mainly for
motorists.

Natural Environment- Refers to the existing surroundings in their natural state.

Opportunity cost- benefit for-gone as result of alternative enterprise development

Partnership- is a collaborative initiative that involves diverse stakeholders

Restaurant- Is a room which a more extensive range of meals are served, usually on a more
flexible time arrangement and include such variations as cafe, coffee shop, and similar outlets.

Service- Work done/ actions or activities performed by staffs that result in customer satisfaction

Service apartments- Are commercial establishments offering accommodation in self-contained

units with or without self-catering

Social Environment- The predominant norms and values within the locality.

Sustainable development- this is development that satisfies the need of the current generation
without ruining the potential for future generations to provide for their needs. The World
Commission on Environment and Development points out that the concept is complex, and
consists of social, economic and ecological aspects.

Tented Camp- Is essentially a lodge comprised of tented units

Tour Hotel- Is an accommodation established/ located within or near an urban center where the
majority of clients are business travelers.

Vacation Hotel- Is an accommodation established/ located within or near a holiday attraction

area and in which the majority of the clients are holidaymakers

Villa- Is a commercial establishment comprised of mainly independent units catering for the up
market clientele and offering holiday accommodation with or without

World heritage site- A natural or man made sites or structure recognized as being of
outstanding international importance and deserving special protection

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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express thanks for the support received for this field study from the
local community, Heads of departments, Trans-boundary Environment Project of Terra Nuova
East Africa, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the National Museum of Kenya.

Special thanks go to the District Environment Officers who coordinated the organization of the
field activities and discussions with communities and the enumerators who provided invaluable
assistance. The case studies have been drawn from reports by a number of consultants who
visited the various community projects in the three districts of study.

Technical guidance and administrative support provided by the Field Coordinator Mr. Ahmed H.
Ali and the Team Leader, Mr. Alberto Giani is appreciated. We also acknowledge the support
given by Hussein Somow the District Environment Officer for Ijara district, among others who
endured the heat and difficult conditions to collect the data. Special thanks also go to Ms. Donfil
Okondo District Officer Headquarters Lamu who provided the team with vital information during
interviews.

The contributions of the local provincial administration, community leaders and the local
community are acknowledged noting that without them it would have been futile to launch the
study. This work will inform the socio economic development of the area and will contribute to the
development of policies, programmes and research activities in Ijara, Garissa and Lamu districts
on eco-tourism development in the near future.

Ali A Hussein
Head Environmntal Education
T.E.P, TN, East Africa
Garissa office.

7
Abstract
This publication is based upon a field study undertaken by the National Environment Management Authority and the
Trans-boundary Environment Project of Terra Nuova East Africa in June - August 2007 on the assessment of the
potential of ecotourism development as viable enterprises in Southern Garissa, Ijara and Lamu Districts.
The international eco-tourism society defines eco-tourism as a responsible travel to natural areas that
conserve the environment and sustains the well being of the local people. Eco-tourism conserves the natural
environment and well being of local people through responsible travel. This definition emphasizes more on the
impact rather than the motives for eco-tourism development.
The objectives of the study were; to assess institutional capacity in the establishment of ecotourism
enterprises; to determine and map ecotourism infrastructure facilities; to survey potential /perceived impacts/ risks
and costs of eco tourism on environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and socio-economic dynamics in the
identified sites; to assess the potential for increased income generation from the proposed enterprises with view to
asses visitor numbers and document current tourism earnings in the three districts and extrapolate eco-tourism
earnings for the next three years;
The research adopted the following methodologies in its endeavors to collect data and compile this report;
Administered questionnaires, conducted consultative meetings, focused group discussions, and collection of
secondary data.
The study area has a number of protected areas and upcoming community conservancies particularly in Ijara
and Garissa districts with the potential for increased eco-tourism earnings. The region is within the coastal tourism
circuit with world heritage sites (Lamu) and Garissa, which is the economic giant of North Eastern province with
remarkable visitor number mainly from the international organizations, and the public sector. The proximity to
Somalia provides unique opportunity for eco-tourism investments. Eco-tourism will create employments generate
revenue for both private and public sector and will open up a formally neglected arid and semi arid region of the north
eastern and coastal areas of Kenya.
Tourism is a major form of income generation that has potential around the ecosystems in Garissa, Ijara and
Lamu but the existing tourism arrangements in most parts of the country have not been designed to benefit local
communities, address the problem of poverty and augment conservation. The tourism industry has been structured
to benefit large commercial operators, with local communities especially women groups receiving meager incomes.
The study investigated and documented the potential for establishing Eco-tourism that can empower local
communities

The major attractions in the region are:

• Scenic forest biodiversity of Boni, Witu and Dodori forest
• Kiunga Marine Park
• Community conservancies and animal sanctuaries such as Kipini, Bour Algi and Ishaqbini conservancies
• Abundant wildlife species including the endangered Hirola, the African Wild Dog and four of the Big Five in
Kenya. The one, which has not being confirmed, is the rhino.
• Rich Swahili culture in Lamu
• World heritage sites in Lamu
• The hidden treasures of the nomadic lifestyle of the Somali
• The traditional indigenous hunter and gatherer Boni community
• National Reserves such as the Arawale National Game Reserve and the Boni National Reserve
• Numerous wetlands in forest ecosystems that are rich in fish
• Hospital community that is ready to earn from ecotourism in traditional villages at Bothai, Bulla Golol, Hadhi,
Dololo, Jalish, Basuba, Mangai etc
• Lamu has the world’s best seafoods available and catering is a coastal specialty. The sun, sea and sand are
endless opportunities for adventure at the historic world heritage sites in Lamu and its associated Islands.
The region has comparable attractions than the well-established tourism circuits in Kenya. There is therefore need to
link it to the Coast tourism circuit and the newly proposed Northern Tourism Circuit so that communities can benefit
from their conservation efforts. All the hotels surveyed in Ijara were established in the last five years while 50 % of
the surveyed hotels in Garissa were established in the last eight years. Most of the hotels in Lamu are old as they
were established over 20 years ago. It can be inferred that the Hotel industry in Ijara and Garissa is expanding
having registered a growth rate of at least 15% annually while that of Lamu is estimated to be growing at 10%
annually. The growth rate of the hotel industry in Ijara can be attributed to the establishment of the new Ijara district
and urbanization. There is therefore urban – rural migration that attracts large population of people to Masalani town.
The growth of the hotel industry in Garissa is due to improved security and increased awareness and
increase in government and Civil Society Organization activities in the district. The Hotel industry in Lamu employs
8
over ten times the number of people employed in the hotel industry in Ijara district and the earnings from employment
in Lamu Hotel industry is at least six times higher than that of Garissa district.
Lamu and Garissa districts receive visitors from all over the world while Ijara receives mostly Kenyans and
sometimes-European visitors. Most of the visitors to Lamu are tourists while the once that visit Garissa and Ijara
come on government business, United Nations missions or NGO work. However, international terrorism upheavals
particularly the 9/11 dealt a big blow to tourism numbers. The listing of Lamu as World Heritage Site seems to have
rescued the town from total collapse. It is apparent that at present Lamu is experiencing a boom in tourism as a
result of its international heritage status that has pulled high paying investors and tourists.
Although the local communities have a rich cultural heritage through their attire, dances, the manyattas, and
artifacts, which form major tourist attractions, they are limited from benefiting from tourism due to weak institutional
capacity to profitably operate and manage tourism enterprises. Another limitation is lack of access to information,
knowledge and understanding of a broad range of tourist tastes and preferences. A recent survey carried out by
Terra Nuova revealed that local women groups, interested to operate eco-tourism enterprises, lack capacity and
access to information. Studies to assess eco/cultural tourism have not been done and this advice is needed before
any plans for venturing into tourism activities are established.
The study recommends the need to initiate programmes to develop participatory forest management plan for
Boni, Dodori and Witu forest. This will assist in biodiversity conservation and management of the forest to safeguard
the livelihoods of the inhabitants. Improved infrastructure and strengthened collaboration between key stakeholders
and enhanced marketing initiates and the joining the Coastal Tourism Circuit and the proposed Northern Tourism
circuits in the region. This is expected to increase earning and create employment for local communities from
ecotourism developments. The KWS, donors, environmental NGOs need to establish and mark wildlife migratory
routes and the buffer zones in the area.
This research finding will find immediate use in the development of the eco-tourism in the region and will
directly contribute towards policy formulation and legislation for eco-tourism and tourism development promotions
being developed by the National Museums of Kenya and other partners. It will also enrich the review of the proposed
new wildlife policy being formulated by the Kenya Wildlife Service with other stakeholders.

Mohamud Hashir Ali

Provincial Director of Environment
North Eastern Province

9
Assessment of the Potential of Ecotourism as Viable Enterprises in
Southern Garissa, Ijara and Lamu Districts: A Community
Conservation and Enterprise Support Initiative

Chapter 1 Introduction and Background

The definition of ecotourism is not uncontested. Projects, tours and hotels may define themselves
as ‘ecotourism’, but there is no single agreed definition of what it means (see Ceballos-
Lascura´in, 2003; Clarke, 2002; Diamantis & Ladkin, 1999; Ryan, 1999 for further discussion).
Ecotourist accommodation, it seems, ranges from the most luxurious resort to the small-scale
community run campsite; furthermore, eco-tours range from being nature based vehicle safaris to
consumptive use of wildlife through sport hunting (see Novelli et al., this issue). For the purposes
of this study use a standard definition of ecotourism provided by The International Ecotourism
Society (TIES) will be used, which serves to illustrate how most definitions of ecotourism are
presented as apolitical. TIES define ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas while
conserving the environment and contributing to the well being of local people. In addition,
community-based ecotourism is often presented as a form of ecotourism that takes the social
dimension one step further; it includes notions of community participation in management of
ecotourism projects so that they gain the maximum benefits from it.
Ecotourism is also defined as purposeful travel to natural areas to learn about the cultural
and natural history of the environment, while taking care not to alter the integrity of the
environment and contributing to the economic welfare of local people.
Tourism has become a mainstay of Kenya’s hard currency earnings capacity for more than
three decades. Currently it is the nations leading foreign exchange earner. The steady climb in
tourism earnings owes as much to Kenya’s political stability and economic policies as it is tourist
attraction. The political turmoil and economic morbidity of other African destinations has been
serendipitous for Kenya’s tourist industry, the tourist industry, the tourist market grew as much by
default as by design.
Tourist expectations are changing as visitors become more environmental friendly and
more selective about the options available.
In this atmosphere of stiffening competition attention has focused on overcrowding and
declining quality of Kenya’s two primary attractions.
• Coast
• Wildlife
In order to generate more revenues, Kenya has responded by setting specific targets based
on the number of tourists, rather than the income generated. The outcome has recently been
given a great deal of courage by the international press. Some of Kenya’s tourist destinations are
becoming over crowded; the willingness of the visitors to pay top-dollar for top quality is declining.
The trend threatens to put Kenya on an economic treadmill of increasing investment of
support and increasing down scale market with amenity values. The quality of beaches and
wildlife is suffering in the process. Kenya must face up to international competition and satisfy
rising tourist expectations or risk becoming a second rate destination for low paying visitors. In
particular the growing emphasis on eco-tourism worldwide necessities Kenya taking more
programme stance in planning its tourist industry to maximize income and minimize impact.
Eco-tourism is a word rapidly catching on in the visitor’s lexicon. Tourist are even more aware
of environment quality whether on beaches or cultural tours or on wildlife safaris. They are more
inclined to shun overcrowded polluted beaches and wildlife parks in favour of more natural
setting. Visitors are also more concerned to see their activities have less impact on indigenous
people and cultures and tourists expeditions benefit societies in the immediate neighborhood.
10
They are also willing to pay more for a quality experience and social welfare. The eco-tourism in
Kenya is expected to grow even higher in the coming years.
Regionally, Latin America and Asia have developed marketing strategies to tap this emerging
fast growing and highly paying segment of the tourism industry.
Kenya has the distant advantage of having pioneered eco-tourism in the 1960s and 1970s.
Despite the challenges Kenya is still in position to develop appropriate policies and strategies to
benefit from eco-tourism.
Fortunately, the country has ample amenities still unused, unexploited parks, reserves,
beaches, scarcely used parks, wildlife and local cultures in abundance, wildlife outside parks;
superb landscapes, fascinating cultures and intriguing historical monuments.
The demand for appropriate recreation opportunities and facilities is increasing with the
change in the structure of society. Forests with their unique setting of trees species diversity,
wildlife, sheltered spaces, quietness and fine scenery present a high potential for absorption of a
large number local and international tourists and thus are very important for out door recreation.
Picnicking, driving for pleasure, walking or jogging, sight seeing of natural wonders, bird
watching, wildlife photography, walking to observe nature spots, fishing can be some of the
potential outdoor recreation activities that can be managed in the forest without much negative
effect.
To tap this potential there is need to develop the necessary infrastructure that would support
these activities in the arid and semi arid areas and forest ecosystems in Ijara, Garissa and Lamu
districts. These include facilities such as roads, tented camps in the forest, lodges, hotel, fishing
camps, nature trails, forest guest houses, camping sites, forest sanctuaries, eco-resource
centres, bird walks, tree houses for observation of forest canopy and birds, curio shops and
Bandas, wildlife conservation trusts and cultural centers.
Local communities are significantly vulnerable to the deleterious impacts of tourism
development, particularly indigenous cultures as they directly experience the socio-cultural
impacts of tourism. Disruption to established activity patterns, anti-social behaviour, crime and
over-crowding caused by tourism development can also have a negative impact on local lifestyles
and the quality of life of both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Consequently,
ecotourism has the potential to create support for conservation objectives in both the host
community and the visitor alike, through establishing and sustaining linkages between the tourism
industry, local communities and protected areas
As social and environmental benefits are essentially interdependent, social benefits accruing
to host communities as a result of ecotourism may have the result of increasing overall standards
of living due to the localized economic stimulus provided for an increased visitation to the site.
Similarly, environmental benefits accrue as host communities are persuaded to protect natural
environments in order to sustain economically viable tourism. Local communities comprise
groups with different and potentially conflicting interests. That is, not all groups want the same
things. The tourist industry seeks a healthy business environment with financial security, a trained
and responsible workforce, attractions of sufficient quality to ensure a steady flow of visitors –
who stay longer and visit more often as well as a significant return on investment.
A number of reasons why local communities may consider ecotourism is a desire to be part of
strong growth in tourism generally and see the potential of catering for special-interest tourism
(niche markets), an awareness of the high value of natural attractions in the locale, empathy for
conservation ideals and the need for sustainable tourism and a desire to responsibly rejuvenate
the local tourist industry. However there are conflicting issues expressed by representatives of
host communities to tourism development and generally fall into a number of interrelated
categories.
These include the lack of opportunities for involvement in decision-making relating to
ecotourism; inadequate responses from governments when administrative or legislative
mechanisms have been established to involve them in such decision-making; the lack of financial,
11
social and vocational benefits flowing to these communities from projects that commercially
exploit what they regard as their resources; the need to establish better tools for evaluating socio-
cultural impacts and ensuring this is completed over the more emphasized environmental impacts
on the natural environments which are usually of more interest to the outside investors and
conservation groups; impacts on community cohesion and structure as well as the rapidity of
tourism development that in many cases significantly accelerates social change.
These concerns embrace a wide range of issues relating to the management of natural
resources adjacent to these communities. The central issue is the inadequate levels of
participation perceived by these communities in the management of what they regard as their
traditional domains. In view of the significance of wildlife conservation on its own and its tourism
value, wildlife-human conflicts will remain a permanent problem in the neighborhoods of protected
areas. As such, the role of policy is to reduce the conflicts to a tolerable level. This involves
dealing with problem wildlife and devising mechanisms to allow local people to derive direct
benefits from wildlife-based tourism. Such an approach is likely to encourage the residents of
those areas to conserve the fauna and flora.
It has been observed that communities located near major attraction sites, such as nature
parks and reserves and archaeological and historic sites, should have the opportunity to
participate in tourism related to the attraction. These communities can provide hotels, restaurants,
shops, transportation and guide services and other tourist facilities and services. Also, they can
be employed in management and operation of the attraction feature. Concrete financial benefits
are obviously an important part of such a partnership. Most important, local communities must
have a final say about how much and what kind of tourism develops in their areas. For along time
the Northern ASAL districts of Kenya were marginalized and it is expected that this study will
provide new dimensions in to investment in eco-tourism activities in these least developed areas
of Kenya.
This new partnership should be based on a commitment to hire local residents as managers in
protected areas and ecotourism operations. In addition, programs for providing credit for rural
enterprises should be initiated or expanded so that more local entrepreneurs can develop
ecotourism-related businesses. It could also mean offering ‘on-the-job” training and scholarships
to tourism and park management schools, leasing rather than buying land from local residents,
and purchasing more goods and services for ecotourism locally. Lessons will be drawn from
successful enterprises in Laikipia district among others.
Therefore, the sustainability of nature-based tourism over the longer term depends on the
support of local communities, especially in wildlife areas. Sustainable development is based on
the ethic of care for the whole community of life now and in the future, and emphasizes that
development must be people-centered and conservation-based. This approach rests on
improving the quality of individual human lives through providing health care, education, and
economic advancement, and on empowering local communities to manage their environment and
resources effectively.
When such an engagement is achieved, the three pillars of sustainable development (social,
economic and environment) will attain a balance and a momentum of their own, thus ensuring
that the trends of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are not only achieved but also
surpassed. This will have the potential thrusting the region in to a prosperous future.
A significant contribution to ecotourism’s global following has been its potential to deliver
benefits to communities remote from centers of commerce, benefits that do not involve
widespread social or environmental destruction.

12
1.1 Key Characteristics of tourism in Kenya - A checklist
• Predominantly beach oriented (60%)
• Predominantly European in origin (80%)
• The safari business is one of the oldest tourism
• Generally high quality
• Tending towards low price meaning high volume of tourist
• Dominated by small number of high quality internationally owned hotel groups
• A very large number or small varying locally or individually owned hotels
• Large number of travel agencies, mostly locally owned
• Large number of tour operators, usually foreign owned
• Wide range of attractions but with demand focused on certain areas (coast, Tsavo,
Amboseli and Maasai Mara game reserves)
• Overwhelmingly private sector
• Tourism in Kenya is a major foreign exchange earner
• Nairobi is the center for major international travel

1.2 Scope of the study

The study assessed the following among others with a view to establishing the potential for
eco/cultural tourism:
1. The quality of wildlife and landscapes, in terms of relative uniqueness, attractiveness and
abundance;
2. The mix of natural and cultural experience. Many visitors are looking for such a
combination. The region has the Awer (Boni who are a forest dweller community and one
of the smallest communities in Kenya); they are traditional hunters and gatherers and not
registered as tribe in Kenya. Their language has never been documented and is becoming
extinct as a result of assimilation by other bigger tribes in Ijara, Garissa, Tana River and
Lamu districts;
3. Potential accommodation for tourists in the three districts: Cleanliness is of primary
importance, therefore issues such as ablution and toilet arrangements, general
functionality; privacy and overall design and ambience can be of great significance;
4. Requirements in terms of investment and sophistication that may exist in lodges and
camping grounds;
5. Guiding and interpretation skills; This required involvement of different people, including an
opportunity for local people to be trained as guides and interpreters;
6. A fine balance between local culture and story telling, and scientific knowledge and
accuracy which is often sought in such enterprises. A study of the potential to use such
knowledge to attract visitors was undertaken;
7. Local produce and handicrafts; although visitors may look for authenticity, it is very
important to avoid the depletion of cultural artifacts and other resources. Quality products
can be made and sold which reflect, area, traditions and creativity without devaluing them;
8. How to utilize the general experience of village life, including folklore; this is highly valued
by visitors. It can provide an incentive to keep local culture and pass on local knowledge.
9. Participation: some visitors value the opportunity to participate in activities. Conservation
participation programmes in the specific sub sector of ecotourism that is community
based;.
10. The main attractions which may include wetlands along Tana River, Ishaqbini
Conservancy in Ijara, Giraffe Sanctuary in Bour Algi, Arawale and Rahole game reserves
in Garissa, Boni forest reserve and marine and coastal cultures of the Arabs and Bajuni

13
 community in Lamu district. The southern part of the study area is within a well-
established coastal tourism circuit in Lamu and Malindi districts;
11. Document current tourist numbers, earnings and extrapolate earnings from eco-tourism in
the next three years in the three districts.

Chapter 2 Study Area

The study area covers three districts namely Garissa, Ijara and Lamu districts. In Garissa the
project focused on the southern part of the district and along the Tana River basin. Garissa and
Ijara have nearly 390,000 inhabitants while Lamu district has a population of 80,000.

2.1 Garissa and Ijara Districts

Geographical location and size: Garissa and Ijara district were one before and Ijara District was
curved from the greater Garissa on 20th May 2000. The two districts are located in the Southern
Part of North Eastern Province;

Topography and Physiographic Conditions: The two districts lack any mountains, hills, and
valleys and are characterized by low undulating plains with low-lying attitude ranging between O
meters and 90 meters above sea level. These districts are generally semi-arid with black/grey
cotton, sandy and alluvial soils.
Climate, Weather Patterns and Natural resources:
Given the semi-aridity of the districts and the low attitude, the district’s temperatures are high
most of the year ranging from 150C to 380C. However there is a relatively cooler period between
the months of April and August. The annual mean rainfall ranges from 300mm to 1000mm. It is
influenced by coastal winds. Frequent droughts and unreliable rainfall favours pastoral lifestyles
in Ijara and Garissa districts.
The two districts have a strong natural resource base. The natural resources available in
the district are the land and its soil cover, water resources, forestry, human, minerals such as
Gypsum, lime and livestock. The region is also home to the pristine Boni forest ecosystem.
Generally these resources have a potential but have not yet been exploited for the benefit of the
local communities and investors. The resources were not exploited due to insecurity in the 1990s
and lack of data on major attractions and what the area can offer for eco-tourism. The
assessment will benefit from improved security and willingness for communities to come on board
future tourism developments in the area.

Water Resources
Most parts of Ijara, Garissa lack reliable sources of water. The average distance to water points
is estimated to be 15-30km. except along river Tana. This situation is aggravated further by lack
of boreholes and the drying up of water pans. The river Tana flows along the Western boundary
of the Ijara and Garissa district. The River Tana forms the single most important and reliable
source of water in the two districts. Seasonal rivers (Laghas) are found all over the districts and
provide water for both human and livestock during the wet season. Another source of water is
the existence of two small fresh water lakes. These are Lake Hadhi and Jerey in the Boni Forest
of Ijara district. Pastoralists also rely on dams/ earth pans as water sources during the dry
season.

Forestry
Forests are found along River Tana and in the coastal biome (the Boni Forest). This forest is
managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) partly gazetted as a National Reserve and has
an area of 1339 square Kilometres. Other types of forests are Miombo and Mangrove trees.
14
 Unfortunately, these unique resources are increasingly faced with threats arising from
forest fires, fuel wood and charcoal harvesting, overgrazing through a grazing regime based on
communal access, and decreased regulatory capability. Another threat arises from changing land
uses around the nearby towns from pastoralism to sedentarized agriculture.

Economic Activities and poverty levels

The main economic livelihood of the inhabitants of Ijara and Garissa is pastoralism and
subsistence agriculture. Presently over 80% of the land is under livestock production and a good
area is potential for rain-fed agriculture but only 10% of this is utilized. The agricultural potential
of the districts is not fully exploited, despite the existence of the rains and fertile soils suitable for
crop production along the River Tana. This is because the districts people are generally
pastoralists and tend to look down upon agriculture as an inferior way of life.
The districts have a high profile of poverty accounting for 59% of the total population. The
causes for this level range from unexploited natural resources, poor or inadequate infrastructure
to open up the districts, high illiteracy levels (88%), lack of employment opportunities and poor
livestock and agricultural marketing systems and inadequate eco-tourism developments.

2.2 Lamu district

Lamu is the oldest surviving town in East Africa and the only Swahili settlement to retain its
original character. It is situated in Coast province of Kenya an archipelago consisting of many
islands that mark the northern border with Somalia. It also shares a borderline with Tana River
district and Ijara district. It is an island in the Indian Ocean known for its attractions in terms of
culture and infrastructure for tourism development. Topographically the district altitude ranges
from 0 to 50 meters above sea level. It has three main islands namely Pate, Manda and Lamu.
Deep blue channels characterize the beaches, wide sandy beaches, coral reefs and mangrove
protected bays. Tourism, rain-fed agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities in Lamu
district. Its remote location saved the island from the process of modernization and hence it
retained its traditions and culture.
UNESCO designated Lamu as a renowned world heritage site in 2001. Lamu district is rich
in marine life and is famous Kiunga Marine Park and the endangered turtles and has also diverse
local communities such as Arabs, Bajuni, Mijikenda, Somali, Kikuyu and Boni (Awer) in Boni,
Dodori forest reserves and Kiunga.
According to statistics available from the Ministry of Planning, Lamu district has a
population of 80,000 people, 18,000 of them living in Lamu Island.
Besides being recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Lamu since 2002 was
also a member of the Organization of the World Heritage Committee (OWHC).

2.3 Problem Statement

Rates of poverty in Garissa, Ijara and Lamu districts are very high causing untold suffering to
local communities. Vulnerability and susceptibility to environmental degradation informs
development options of the area and in general places a limitation to the extent of sustainable
development that can be undertaken in the area. Although the local communities have a rich
cultural heritage through their attire, dances, the manyattas, and artifacts, which form major
tourist attractions, they are limited from benefiting from tourism due to weak institutional capacity
to profitably operate and manage tourism enterprises. Another limitation is lack of access to
information, knowledge and understanding of a broad range of tourist tastes and preferences.
The recent survey on Indigenous as it relates to biodiversity conservation around the Boni forest
of Ijara district carried out by Terra Nuova and the National Environment Management Authority
revealed that local women groups, interested in operating eco-tourism enterprises, lack capacity

15
and access to information. Studies to assess ecotourism have not been done and such
assessments are needed before any plans for venturing into ecotourism activities are established.

2.4 Project Rationale/ Justification

Ecotourism has received a lot of attention worldwide over the past two decades (see Cohen
1987, Butler 1989, Duffus and Dearden 1989, Boo 1990, Brockelman and Dearden 1990, Kusler
1991, Hvenegaars 1994). It has played a strong role in several areas as rationale to protect
natural habitats as a tourist resource, rather than generate income from liquidation of the
biological capital by commercial operations such as forestry, as well as attempting to relieve the
pressures generated by the forces of poverty. The latter goal is achieved through two means.
First, tourists’ spending for items such as accommodation, food and guide services generates
income. Second, since tourists will not come to see degraded environments; there is a direct
economic incentive among local communities to maintain environmental quality. Ecotourism
initiatives are expected to contribute to lowering of poverty levels in the study area.
The study area has a number of protected areas and upcoming community conservancies
particularly in Ijara and Garissa districts with the potential for increased ecotourism earnings. The
region is within the coastal tourism circuit with world heritage sites (Lamu) and Garissa, which is
the economic hub of North Eastern province with remarkable visitor number mainly from the
international organizations, and the public sector. The proximity to Somalia provides unique
opportunity for ecotourism investments. Ecotourism will create employments generate revenue
for both private and public sector and will open up a formally neglected Arid and semi arid region
of the North eastern and coastal areas of Kenya.
Tourism is a major form of income generation that has potential around the ecosystems in
Garissa, Ijara and Lamu but the existing tourism arrangements in most parts of the country have
not been designed to benefit local communities, address the problem of poverty and augment
conservation. The tourism industry has been structured to benefit large commercial operators,
with local communities especially women groups receiving meager incomes. The study will
investigate and document the potential for establishing eco-tourism that can empower local
communities

2.5 Project Objectives

Goal
To assess the potential of eco/cultural tourism as a sustainable industry in Southern Garissa,
Ijara and Lamu Districts.

Purpose
To document and provide information on the potential of establishing viable ecotourism
enterprises in the three districts of Ijara, Garissa and Lamu

Objectives
1. To assess institutional capacity of CBOs and the private sector around the ecosystem to
develop and sustainably manage eco/cultural tourism enterprise;
2. To determine and map the potential of establishing eco/cultural tourism infrastructural
facilities at various identified community sites;
3. To survey potential /perceived impacts/ risks and costs of eco/cultural tourism on
environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and socio-economic dynamics in the
identified sites;

16
To assess the potential for increased income generation from the proposed enterprises with view
on visitor numbers and document current tourism earnings in the three districts and extrapolate
eco-tourism earnings for the next three years.

Chapter 3 Research Methods

3.1 Primary data

In undertaking the study, specific as well as general issues pertaining to ecotourism of individual
households, including community members, researchers, institutional heads, and policy makers
were examined. Capacities of existing ecotourism infrastructures and institutions were mapped
and analyzed. At systemic level, the current status of the policy, legislation, and prevailing laws
governing ecotourism were also examined.
Focused Group discussions- Information was collected through thematic group
discussions and workshops, where discussions were held with key stakeholders on issues
pertaining to ecotourism development and major attractions in the region. Benefit sharing
arrangements and investment opportunities were cross-examined.
Questionnaires - Administered questionnaires to assess the potential for increased
income generation from the proposed enterprises with view to Assess visitor numbers and
document current tourism earnings in the three districts and extrapolate eco-tourism earnings for
the next three years;
A total of one hundred and eighteen households selected randomly were interviewed in
each of the three districts of Garissa, Ijara and Lamu. The survey involved holding interviews and
key informant discussions with relevant persons at the:
• Policy levels;
• Civil society including local communities;
• Academic and research institutions;
• Private sector.
• Hoteliers
The questionnaires sought to address the following issues:
1. Identify stakeholders, institutional mandates, and capacities in eco-tourism development
2. Identify existing infrastructure for ecotourism development
3. Key eco-sites and attractions in the three districts of Ijara, Lamu and Garissa;
4. Cultural practices that promote eco-tourism development;
5. Identify ongoing collaborative mechanisms in the districts on eco-tourism developments
6. Information on the importance of ecological areas
7. Document tourism earnings in the area
8. Knowledge of existing policies and various legislations relevant to Eco-tourism
development in the region
9. Identify challenges and document lessons learnt to eco-tourism development in the region;
10. Recommendations on the best ways of establishing and managing eco-tourism enterprises
in the three districts

Community consultative meetings/workshops - Community consultative

meetings/workshops were held to identify stakeholders;
Meetings - Meetings with relevant government departments, community leaders to set
bench marks for the study as local leaders are stakeholders in ecotourism development
Community participation and creation of awareness on ecotourism

17
For the study to be beneficial to the community, a preliminary survey was conducted and involved
elders, individual representatives of the villages including women, chiefs, sub chiefs and
councilors. The purpose of this survey was to improve the questionnaire for the main study and
generally to review the methodology/approach of the research. This was followed by a more
comprehensive study that involved the administration of 118 questionnaires in each of the three
districts of Lamu, Ijara and Garissa. The community leaders also attended consultative
meetings/workshops that discussed in depth some of the preliminary findings in order to enrich
the report and fill data gaps. This was also meant to build community ownership of the field
study.

3.2 Secondary data

It involved identifying the current visitor numbers, earnings from the tourism sector and status of
tourism facilities in the three districts. Literature review was done in the libraries of the Ministry of
tourism, Kenya Wildlife Service, Public Universities and Kenya Tourism Board, National
Environment Management Authority, National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, Lamu, Ijara and
Garissa.

3.3 Data Analysis

The questionnaires were pre-coded to facilitate data analysis and to reduce time needed in data
entry. The statistical data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS)
program for windows. Initial analysis generated descriptive statistics in the form of means, modes
and frequency distributions. These have been graphically presented in form of tables and charts
in this report.

Chapter 4 Data presentation and analysis

4.1 Literature Reviewed

This section undertakes a general review of Eco-tourism and other related issues. Available
information covers policies, challenges in eco-tourism development, opportunities and impacts of
eco-tourism as a development tool on the local communities, economies and the environment.
The year 2002 was declared as the International Year of Ecotourism. The final declaration of
the World Eco-tourism Summit (held in Quebec, May 19-22) reads as follows: ‘Tourism can bring
both benefits and costs to the environment and local communities should contribute to make the
overall tourism industry more sustainable, by increasing economic and social benefits for host
communities, actively contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
A report on African Eco-tourism published by the international Resources Group (IRG, 1992)
questioned how much employment and income is generated by eco-tourism? How is that amount
affected by the presence of rural credit and tourism training programmes? And how much
ecological change is caused by eco-tourism? Which types of developments are most effective
and cost - effective?
According to Steve Shelley of Trade Training International in his book Marketing Strategies for
Eco-tourism in Africa; Marketing strategies are the mix of ideas and actions that allow an
organization to design and deliver a product or service in such away that it meets customers
requirement, usually at a profit and in a competitive environment. A good strategy will address
the following;
9 What is the need or the demand?
9 What products or services can meet it?
9 How should the products be produced and delivered?
9 How should they be priced?
18
 9 How can they be promoted?
9 How can they be differentiated from competitive offers?
9 What policy issues are involved?
9 How do we make it all happen?
Eco-tourism products are environmentally friendly and are based on natural attractions,
involve and benefit communities with minimal impacts on the environment. Such products should
be financially self-sustaining and insulated against adverse effects of political change and
interference.
According to the Lamu District development plan- 2002-2008 the district is planning to
embark on conservation of biodiversity and promotion of eco-tourism, development of
infrastructure in the tourist areas, intensify security to curb banditry activities and poaching and
promote tourism industries through publicity using the tourism board. Many dry lands have
significant non-agricultural land use options (e.g. tourism; wildlife, non-timber forest products),
and others allow for high-intensity agricultural production (e.g. high value crops for export.
livestock waits to be hauled away – dry lands make major contributions to national economies,
even when infrastructure is far from ideal.
The challenge of dry land development is to create an enabling environment in which local
people are able to improve their livelihoods by using their resources more productively. The
enabling environment may be created in many ways. Some incentives may work best by
changing the conditions for economic activity. For example, the removal of barriers to trade,
achieved through international agreements, or the implementation of economic reforms aimed at
improving terms of trade, could substantially improve market conditions for dry land producers.
Other incentives may work through public investments in infrastructure (e.g. hospitals, clinics and
schools; communications, improving market access; water supply and sanitation) and services
(e.g. health and education; market information; access to soft loans and credit). In the discussion
below, we highlight three key areas where such policy tools could be used:

1. Developing capacity, confidence and competence of service providers;

2. Diversifying incomes and securing linkages;
3. Unleashing individual and organizational capacity.

“Time had come for a new approach, an approach resting on fairness and local involvement
rather than an alienation and enforcement. Why should local communities not become the
principal beneficiaries and ultimate custodians of wildlife, as they had always been, without
sacrificing the larger interests of society?” Western,1997.
These were Dr David Western ’s thoughts regarding the Amboseli Basin in Kenya in the late
1960s, as detailed in his book ‘In the dust of Kilimanjaro’. His views represented the early ideas
emerging in the 1960s about what is now known as ‘eco-tourism’. In East Africa the colonial
legacy of protected areas for the elite did not meet the growing demands of the local population.
The disparity between the wealthy tourists admiring wildlife and rural Africans who suffered
at the hands of the same had to be reconciled for these areas to exist in the long term. Three
reasons led to the divergence in the tourism market between the three countries that comprise
the East African region. In 1977 the common border between Kenya and Tanzania was closed. At
the same time, Kenya instigated a ban on trophy hunting which shut down the sport hunting
industry. These factors combined with the civil conflict in Uganda under the Amin rule, propelled
Kenya’s tourism industry along a d i ff e rent path to that of the surrounding area. Photographic
wildlife safaris and coastal holidays became the mainstay of the Kenyan mass tourism sector. At
the same time ‘eco-tourism’ was emerging. Whilst mass tourism catered for the majority of
visitors to Kenya, small-scale environmentally sound lodges began to be established on private
land where a savannah wildlife community still survived. These destinations offered a glimpse of

19
‘traditional’ Africa, and broke away from the normal vehicle-bound safari, offering a number of
alternative activities such as walking safaris, camel and horseback treks.
Whilst tourists and the tourist industry were quick to adopt ‘responsible tourism’ pertaining
to the environment and conservation, the idea of tourism providing benefits to local communities
was more difficult to promote. Achieving benefits for the community – a vital component of an
eco-tourism enterprise – has consistently been a stumbling block of this sector of the industry.
Partnership is the new keyword in donor-community circles, and multilateral organizations
and national departments responsible for development cooperation both seem to have embraced
the concept of ‘Public-Private Partnerships’. This bond is supposed to be the panacea for
spurring progress in a wide array of economic and utility sectors (especially water, electricity and
telecommunications) in the developing world. It is envisaged that through the private sector more
pro-poor activities will be implemented. This is considered necessary if the world wants to meet
the Millennium Development Goals of halving world poverty by 2015. Donors nowadays stress
that aid agencies do not make money, businesses do. Partnerships are presented as the ultimate
remedy for solving community’s problems of hunger and poverty.

4.1.1 Policies that Support Eco-tourism Development

EMCA Act, 1999 – The Act is a pioneer legislation and sets bench marks in the regulation of the
environment and has established institutions with mandates in the management of the
environment. It gives powers to the Minister in charge of the environment to gazette a forest or
hilly areas on community interest. It has also established the Provincial and District Environment
Committees where communities are represented.
Forest Act 2005 – The Act is one of the latest legislation that supports community involvement in
the co-management of forest resources. It also gives excessive powers for the local councils to
own forests and sets regulations on formation and partnership with local communities on
management of community forests. A Co-management plan for the Boni forest will greatly benefit
the Awer/Boni community who entirely depend on the forest for their livelihoods and the Abdalla
who reduce it alternative grazing areas during dry periods.
Wildlife Policy – The policy on wildlife is being revised to allow more involvement of local
communities on the management of wildlife resource. The main issue of contention is whether to
lift the ban on spot hunting or not. It sets direction on how community conservancies should e
managed. The Act will give more responsibilities to communities in the management of wildlife in
their farms or conservancies.
.

4.1.2 Lessons learnt on eco-tourism development in Kenya

• Eco-tourism is generally growing in this country
• The region is good for niche marketing e.g. bird watching, nomadic way of lifestyles,
livestock, local cultures
• The region is rich in new products that need to be marketed e.g. the Boni forest, Kora,
and Rahole game reserves are new areas and it will be interesting to take visitors to
these new emerging tourism destinations.
• Neighboring destinations are getting government investment in tourism. These areas
are Mwingi, Bisan Adi, Kora and Meru run by county councils, KWS establishing
infrastructure for private sector investment in this reserves
• Fear of conning by hotel development in the sanctuaries
• Mistrust of the private developer is not doing well
• Political interference
• Mismanagement by the committees
20
 • It has to be looked to as business and not well fare
• Hidden treasures need to be marketed- Nomadic, rangelands, forests
• Not easy to document tourism earnings by communities managing sanctuaries

4.2 Field data presentation

Introduction
A total of 118 households were interviewed in each of the three districts of Lamu, Ijara and
Garissa. The interview results are shown below;

(a) Gender Analysis of the Interviewees

Gender Analysis of the Interviewees

80%

60%

% 40%

20%

0%
Garissa Ijara Lamu
Male 58% 70% 39%
Female 42% 30% 61%
Project Sites

Of the 150 individuals interviewed at the household level, more women were interviewed in Lamu
and Garissa where the community is more sedentary than Ijara. 70% of the people interviewed in
Ijara were men. It was learn that the women were busy with small stock management and
fetching of water and fuel wood from nearby bushes in Ijara at the time of the interview.

(b) Education Status of Interviewees

Education Status of Interviewees

50%

40%
Garissa
30%
%

Ijara
20%
Lamu
10%

0%
Educated Educated Uneducated Uneducated
Male Female Male Female
Gender types

Less than 50% of the women interviewed in Ijara were literate while Garissa and Lamu had a
literacy rate of at least 50% for the women interviewed. Garissa recorded the least educated
males at 14% while Ijara and Lamu recorded 42 and 38% respectively for the men interviewed.

21
4.3 Stakeholder analysis
4.3.1 Eco-tourism stakeholders
The research team conducted a number of consultative meetings and workshops to document
the relevant stakeholders for ecotourism development in the three districts of Garissa, Ijara and
Lamu.
The following institutions were identified as the stakeholders for eco-tourism development
in the three districts;

Table 1: Eco-tourism stakeholders in the 3 districts

District Stakeholder
Donor Government NGOs Environment Private investors
Institutions Interest Groups
Ijara European Local government Womankind TEP, IWICET Hoteliers
Union NEMA, KWS Terra Nuova Livestock Traders
World KFS, ALRMP Ishaqbini Hirola Bus companies
Bank OOP, Ministry of Conservancy
Trade and Industry,
Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Garissa UNDP Local Government Womankind TEP, Garissa Hoteliers
World NEMA, KWS Terra Nuova, Giraffe Sanctuary, Livestock Traders
Bank KFS, OOP, ALRMP, GTZ Bus companies
European KRA, KAA, Ministry of Arawale Hirola
Union Trade and Industry, Wildlife
Ministry of Foreign Community,
Affairs
Millennium Village
Project
Lamu UNDP, Local Government Terra Nuova TEP, Ecotourism Curio Operators,
UNEP NEMA, KWS Kenya, WWF Tour Operators,
Ministry of Tourism Kipini conservancy Airlines,
KTB, KFS, OOP, Coast Tourism Association,
NMK, KRA, KPA, Kenya Association of Tour
KAA, KTDFLT, Operators,
Ministry of Trade and Kenya Association of Hotel
Industry, Ministry of Keepers and Caterers
Foreign Affairs

Other stakeholders include;

• Local communities such as the Swahili, Bajuni, Pokomo, Arabs, Orma, the hunter and
gatherer Boni community and the Somali nomadic pastoralists. Other important gender
groups are women groups, Youth groups, Elders, People with disabilities etc
• Adventure seekers such as tourist
• Public and private universities such as the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Utalli
College
• Area primary and Secondary schools

4.3.2 Accountable Authorities that Represent Community Interest

The community village meetings revealed the accountable authorities that can represent
community interest on ecotourism development include the following:
• Kenya Wildlife Service
• Peace Committee at village level
• Council of Elders
• Forest Department

22
 • Area members of Parliament and Councilors
• Community Based Organization (CBO)
• Local Authorities
• Chiefs
• Religious leaders (Khadi) and local Imams of the mosque
• Village headmen in Lamu district
• Honary wardens in Garissa
The above accountable authorities also work as conflict resolution agents among the local
community.
•

4.3.3 Institutional Strength and Weakness in Eco-tourism Development

The capacity of these institutions in terms of manpower and equipment is inadequate in most of
the institutions, while experience in eco-tourism is completely lacking in Ijara and Garissa
districts. A SWOT analysis of these institutions is given below in table 1;

Table 2; Institutional SWOT Analysis

Institution Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats
Kenya − Existing secretariat − Few registered − EMCA 1999 − Emergence of other
Tourism − Executive Board members − Forest Act 2005 similar Boards with
Board − Generates donor funds − Depends on − Access to information same interest
− Has physical location donors − Uncertainty of funds in
− Slow in future
implementation

Ministry of − Skilled man power and − Understaffed − Ongoing revision of − Conflict of interest with
Tourism and equipment − Limited funding the Wildlife Act KFS
Wildlife − Has collaborative − Donor driven − HIV/AIDS
agencies − Anticipated
retrenchment of staff
Ministry of − Enough Skilled man − Limited funding − Forest Act 2005 − Anticipated
Environment power − EMCA 1999 retrenchment of staff
and Natural − Positive networking − Wealth of experience − HIV/AIDS
Resources with agencies from stakeholders − Forest encroachment
− Established physical − Adequate M& E and excisions
locations in all districts − Willing Donor funding − Degraded environment
− Political will
− Existing secretariat − Few registered − EMCA 1999 − Emergence of other
Eco-tourism − Executive Board members − Forest Act 2005 similar Boards with
Society of − Generates donor funds − Depends on − Access to information same interest
Kenya − Has physical location donors − Uncertainty of funds in
future
Kipini wildlife − Community members − Inadequate − Forest Act 2005 − Encroachment by
Conservancy, − Land and wildlife collaboration − EMCA 1999 settlements
Lamu − Legal entity with local − Willing donor funding − Political interferences
− Sanctuary already communities − Hunting and poaching
mapped and
established
Local − Physical locations − Unskilled − Forest Act 2005 − Conflicts with local
Authorities labour − EMCA 1999 communities
− Mismanageme − Willing donor funding − Corruption
nt of funds − Networking with local − HIV/AIDS
− Political communities
interferences − Access to relevant
information

23
Ishaqbini − Community members − Unskilled man − Forest Act 2005 − Land tenure
community − Land and wildlife power − EMCA 1999 − Encroachment by
Wildlife − Sanctuary already − Not a legal − Willing donor funding settlements
Conservancy, mapped and entity − Political interferences
Ijara established

Trans- − Availability of funds − Short project − Collaboration with − Short project duration
boundary − Office and Physical duration stakeholders − Limited funding
Environment location − Donor driven
Project Terra − Skilled man power − Limited project
Nuova East − Generated adequate sites
Africa baseline data

Garissa − Community members − Unskilled man − Forest Act 2005 − Land tenure
community − Land and wildlife power − EMCA 1999 − Encroachment by
Giraffe − Sanctuary already − Not a legal − Willing donor funding settlements
Sanctuary, mapped and entity − Political interferences
Garissa established

4.3.4 Eco-tourism training needs for institutions

The consultative meetings/ workshops and interviews with policy makers in the study area
ascertained the capacity needs of stakeholders. The findings are summarized in the table below

Table 3: Eco-tourism training needs of stakeholders

Stakeholder Training Needs

Government Skills on eco-tourism establishment

Departments Participatory Methodology
Training on Guidance and Tourism regulation
General awareness on conservation and eco-tourism
Community development and partnership
Training on tourism development
Capacity development and monitoring skills
Training on Organization management and publicity
Training on Networking policy and Marketing
Training on management of eco-sites
Non- Conflict resolution
Governmental Community sensitization skills
Organizations Capacity development on fund raising
Benefit sharing mechanisms
Community Eco-site Management and conservation
Based Fund raising skills
Organizations Proposal writing
C.B.O management
Tourism development
Protection and brochure writing
Skills on G.I.S
Data collection
Tour guiding and operations
Tourism marketing
Local Community Eco-site management
Benefit sharing mechanisms
Awareness and sensitization
Co-existence with wildlife
Economic importance of wildlife
Establishment of eco-friendly enterprises
Policy and legislation of the enterprises
Preservation of IK

24
 Private Sensitization and awareness
Developers/inves Benefit sharing schemes
tors Environmental policies and legislation
Opportunities for hotel industry
Tourism codes and standard
Hospitality management and marketing
Strategic investment
Collaboration of partnership

4.4 Partnerships and Viability of Eco-tourism development

Eco-tourism as a viable enterprise

A total of 118 households were interviewed in each of the three districts. The response of the
participants is as indicated below;

(c) Viability of Eco-tourism

Viability of Eco-tourism as an enterprise by the
local community

100

% Response 50

0
Garissa Ijara Lamu
% Response YES 93 85 98
% Response NO 7 15 2
Project sites

Communities in Lamu are more experienced in terms of the benefits of eco-tourism and hence
the high response of eco-tourism as a viable enterprise than Ijara and Garissa. Garissa and Ijara
are yet to start tangible eco-tourism enterprises but the potential is there as the two districts have
natural attraction sites and abundant culture and traditions that attract tourists to the districts.
(d) Community response on partnerships

Community Response on Partnership in Eco-

tourism Development

100

80
% Respons

60 % Response YES
40 % Response NO

20

0
Garissa Ijara Lamu
Project Sites

25
Importance of ecological areas
Communities in Ijara district attach a lot of value to ecological areas compared to the other two
districts. This is particularly so because some of the communities in the district such as the
hunter and gatherer Boni depend on the forest ecosystems for shelter, food and medicine. The
response was high in all the three districts hence high awareness on the environment and the
need to develop eco-tourism enterprises is there.

(e) Community response on importance of ecological areas

Community Response on importance of

ecological areas

100
80
% Response

60 % Response YES
40 % Response NO

20
0
Garissa Ijara Lamu
District

The importance of ecological areas according to the local communities in the three districts is as
follows;
• As heritage sites that can be of educational importance to future generations’ learning and
research opportunities
• Purification of the environment and attracts rain
• Alternative grazing areas and wildlife habitats
• Source of timber and tools
• Religious sites
• Provides traditional/ Herbal medicine

4.5 Options for community involvement in the three districts

• Private tourism businesses employing local people. It is a useful form of employment
creation but needs to be guarded against poor wages and conditions. Local communities
in the study area are good entrepreneurs with experience in micro project management.
The issue of group formation for enterprise development already exists in the area in the
form of youth groups, women groups, livestock marketing groups etc
• Local individuals selling produce and handicraft to visitors directly or through tourism,
businesses. This is a good way of spreading benefits within the community.
• Private tourism businesses (internally or externally owned) being granted a concession to
operate by the community, in return for a fee and a share of revenue. There are many
examples where this has worked well in Kenya.
• Individuals, with links to the broader community, running their own small tourism
businesses. Success can vary and lack of skill and tourism knowledge has often proved a
weakness to this approach.

26
 • Communally owned and run enterprises. Sometimes these suffer from lack of organization
and incentives, but this can be overcome with time.
The existing eco-tourism support initiatives regarding the local communities in Ijara, and Garissa
district include bee keeping, aloe farming, vehicle hiring, energy saving initiatives, bandas and
livestock husbandry. In Lamu the support initiatives are sun dried fruits, fruit farming, fishing,
handicraft and boat hiring.
The possible potential eco-tourism support initiatives will include, ranching, community
Wildlife sanctuaries, crocodile farming along the Tana River Basin in Garissa district, butterfly
farming in Hulugho, Bulla Golol, Dololo and Bothai locations of Ijara district.

4.6 Infrastructure for Eco-tourism Development

There is poor infrastructure in many of the pastoral areas in the region. These had been alluded
to both physical infrastructure in terms of transport and communications and intellectual know
how on ecotourism development and government bureaucracy as the region had been
marginalized for along time and security laws were lifted in 1992. This is a major constraint to the
development of ecotourism industry in the region.
The survey further reveals that most houses in the World Heritage Site of Lamu have
structural and technical weaknesses due to inappropriate use of materials, cheap workmanship,
and lack of following the conservation regulations.
The Lamu Old town (Mkomani) and Garissa Central Business District are the only areas
with at least a workable infrastructure in the form of sewerage. The major streets have piped
water sewerage and electricity.
Information from the NMK reveals that about 65% of the building stock in Lamu is fairly in
good condition, 20% needs minor refurbishment and 10% are ruins, which have been abandoned
far too long by their owners. Foreign rich European investors are buying most of the ruins. So far
foreign investors own 30% of the buildings in the old town. The ruins are being converted to villas
or private holiday houses. This is already bringing job opportunities and wealth to the local
people in Lamu. However, the conservative members of the public take this as aggression to
their culture and beliefs. It is therefore suggested a remedy to this affront be found urgently. The
local community should be given an opportunity to purchase such ruins and put them to uses.
Alternatively, the local community should have a stake in each foreign investment, or each
investor should return to the community kitty an agreed % that will be used to develop community
projects.

Major Roads and their Development Status

There are no tarmac roads in the study areas, however, the conditions of the roads are good and
their status is summarized below

Table 4: Major Roads and their Development Status

Name of Road Development Status
Mukowe-Bothai road Earth road
Mukowe-Hindi road Marrum road
Hindi-Pargoni road Earth road
Bothai-Ijara road Earth road
Bothai-Kiunga road Earth road
Ijara-Masalani road Marrum road
Masalani-Garissa road Earth road
Ijara-Hulugho road Marrum
Source: personal observation of the research team, July 2007

27
The earth roads in the three districts are not accessible in May and November/December.
However in Lamu district the earth roads are not also accessible in June/July as the area
receives coastal showers during this period. The marrum roads are all weather roads and are
accessible throughout the year.

The major airports in the study area are;

• Manda airstrip, Lamu district
• Mukowe airstrip, Lamu district
• Garissa airstrip, Garissa district
• Malindi airport, Malindi district
• Mombasa international airport, Mombasa district
• Wajir International Airport

Airlines – There are a number of Airlines flying the routes in the three districts. The Airlines in
Lamu are Kenya Air Ways, Air Kenya and Fly 540.COM while the once that are in Garissa are
Military planes, Chartered planes, Planes on UN Missions, Police Aircraft. Commercial Regional
planes land in Wajir International Airport. There are no commercial planes landing in Garissa and
Ijara. This creates a great business opportunity for investors, once the tourist circuit is
established.
Travel – The major forms of transport in the study area are Air, dhow and public bus service
except for Lamu, which has no vehicles. There are also motorized boats in Lamu. Fully serviced
Safari vehicles are common in Mukowe, Garissa and Ijara. The average car hire rates are KES
10,000 with full back up services in case of logistic problems while in the field. Lamu is a port of
call also for Cruise ships, Private and chartered Yachts.
Photography facilities – The three districts share good scenes for photography. Good quality
films are also available in Lamu and Garissa. Some Safari Companies provide roof top mounted
cameras and beanbag camera rests. Accessories for digital cameras and binoculars are also
available in Lamu and Garissa.

4.7 On-going collaborative processes on Eco-tourism Development

4.7.1 Efforts by International Agencies

The WWF is also involved in turtle conservation and protection programmes in Kiunga division of
Lamu District, while Ford Foundation and SIDA are supporting the National Museums of Kenya to
carry out environmental education, and restoration of the Lamu World heritage sites.
UNESCO declared Lamu a World heritage site in 2001. The site is put on the red list of
heritage sites that are endangered as a result of no management plan, inadequate buffer zones
and illegal land acquisition.
The Government of Kenya and Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) funds
the project. Its main aim is to rehabilitate and conserve Lamu as a heritage site. The targets of
this project are to restore houses, upgrade public utility areas. The project is now involved in
preparing a report that promotes tourism development without degrading local cultures. It is also
involved in public awareness on conservation of the environment, and promotion of good
hygiene.

4.7.2 Government Programmes

A plan for managing the World Heritage site of Lamu has now been submitted by the Government
of Kenya through the National Museums of Kenya to UNESCO and presented in the 31st World
Heritage Committee Meeting in Christchurch New Zealand. The plan was developed in
28
participatory manner with relevant stakeholder. It outlines Lamu’s assets, opportunities and
weaknesses. It set objectives for review of the conservation of Lamu. The Government has also
developed plans for comprehensive infrastructure development in Lamu. The plan also seeks to
develop an integrated marketing strategy, review building by-laws and put in place a disaster
management plan (Daily Nation, 24th July 2007).
The Kenya Wildlife Service and the Tourism Board of Kenya have launched a plan to
establish the Northern Tourism Circuit. This will greatly benefit eco-tourism development in this
region. The Board received a COYA award for tourism development in the region in the year
2006. The KWS is also spear heading the revision of the wildlife policy to make it more
community friendly so that local communities can benefit from conservation efforts in the form of
eco-tourism developments
Arid Lands resource Management Project – this is a collaborative project between the
government of Kenya and the World Bank. The Natural resource management programmes in
the project in Ijara and Garissa district is involved in capacity building of CBOs and vulnerable
communities such as the Boni in establishing cottages and bandas in Bothai and Junction villages
of Ijara district. The project is also in the process of establishing Aloe farms in Garissa and Ijara
districts.
Ministry of tourism and wildlife- the ministry is involved in capacity building and
sensitization campaigns of the local community on benefits of ecotourism. It targets to train
community leaders, beach boys, tour guides, hoteliers and boat operators. The Ministry is also
involved in a joint loan board-funding scheme for small-scale entrepreneurs in tourism
development. The scheme trains small scales entrepreneurs on basic management skills and
provide loans for tourism development.

4.7.3 Civil Society programmes

The Eco-tourism Society of Kenya is involved in building the capacity of CBOs on eco-tourism
development in Lamu district. While the Trans-boundary Environment Project of Terra Nuova
East Africa is involved in sensitization and capacity building of local communities in Garissa, Ijara
and Lamu on establishment of community conservancies at Isheikhpini in Ijara and Garissa
community giraffe sanctuary at Bour-Algi village. TEP is also implementing livelihood
programmes for forest adjacent communities in Bothai village of Ijara district and the Awer (Boni)
community in the Boni forest through the introduction of modern beekeeping micro projects in the
area.

4.7.4 Community Wildlife Conservancies t

There are three ongoing community wildlife conservancies in the study are namely;
• Kipini Wildlife Conservancy in Lamu district
• Garissa Community Giraffe Sanctuary, Bour Argi village, Garissa district
• Isheikhpini community wildlife Sanctuary in Ijara district
These conservancies use volunteer community scouts to protect wildlife. The TEP, KWS and the
Arawale Hirola Wildlife Community in Bura division of Garissa district support the Scouts.

4.8 Eco-tourism attractions in the three districts

4.8.1 Eco-Sites in the Districts
Lamu District
Lamu is one of the world’s greatest treasures. It is 14th Century civilization, which is unchanged
by modern civilization. It is home to the Swahili culture. There are no cars and very little western
influence. It is characterized by very narrow streets and is well known for its welcoming
atmosphere.
29
 In Lamu district, natural tourism attraction sites such as historical sites monuments,
cultural attractions, sandy beaches dhow safaris and wildlife in the Dodori forest reserve and
Kiunga Marine Park provide potential for tourism development. These potentials will not be fully
exploited if tourism is not promoted. If tourism is promoted employment will be created in wide
range of sectors such as hotels, lodges, land and air transport companies, boating tourist guides,
and vending of traditional handicrafts.
Lamu Old Town – the aggregate stock of the buildings in the Lamu old town forms the
core segment of the beauty and grandeur of the World Heritage Site. Its planned buildings and
interior designs give Lamu a unique status above many coastal Swahili towns.
World Heritage Status – The listing of Lamu as World Heritage Site heaped further
responsibilities for the conservation of Lamu and its buffer zones. This has caused sudden
upsurge in tourist numbers flocking in to the town.
The architecture and urban structure of Lamu graphically demonstrate the cultural
influences that have come together over several hundred years from Europe, Arabia, and India,
initializing traditional Swahili techniques to produce a distinct culture. The growth and decline of
the seaports of the East Africa Coast and interaction between the Bantu, Arabs, Persian, Indians
and Europeans represent significant cultural and economic face in the history of the region which
its most outstanding expression to Lamu old town.
Lamu’s paramount trading role and its attraction for scholars and teachers gives Lamu an
important religious function in the region. It continues to be a significant centre for education in
Islamic and Swahili cultures.
Coastal forests – The Dodori and the Boni forests are one of the major attractions in
Lamu district. The forests are rich in biodiversity and are inhabited by the traditional hunter and
gatherer Awer/Boni community.
The narrow coastal forest region running inland approximately 30 km from the coast is the
northern end of the Zanzibar – Inhambane region, which stretches from southern Somalia to
Northern Mozambique (White, 1983). Contains mainly isolated forest blocks which have been
separated from each other from protracted periods and which therefore show high levels of
species endemicity. These forests are often small endemic with high incidences of threatened
species.
The coastal region can be further sub-divided in to either South or North of Mombasa –
Kilifi area. Many plants are found either south or North of this boundary and separation of some
bird and mammal species also occurs there. The table below shows nationally threatened and
regionally endemic forest species;

Table 5a: nationally threatened and regionally endemic forest species

Region Plants Birds Mammals
Coast North 12 5 3
South 15 0 2
Rift Valley East 20 4 1
West 2 4 1
Western 1 6 2
Taita/Kasigau 16 3 0
Tana River 4 0 2
Others 8 0 0
Source: IUCN Forest Conservation Programme, 1995, Kenya Indigenous forest status, management and
conservation

30
Table 5b: Eco-sites in Lamu district
Name of Site Attraction Uses of Site
Takwa ruins Ruins and sea view Swahili settlement
Mangrove forest Biodiversity Nature work
Kipini wildlife conservancy Wildlife Conservation
Kiunga Marine reserve Wildlife/turtles Conservation
Shella Sand beaches Leisure
Manda Sea breeze/ waves Fishing/ swimming
Kipungani sea rocks Viewing
Lamu fort Old tools Museum/ tourism
Kiwatu Safari Beach Swimming/ fishing
Lamu museum Artifacts Tourism
Swahili museum Historical site Tourism
Mwana Kupona Historical site Tourism
Buruno Beach Swimming
Dondori forest reserve Wildlife Conservation
Boni settlements Boni people Cultural villages
Source: Interview of local communities in Lamu, July 2007

Ijara District
During the survey brief visits and observations were made to a series of key locations for wildlife
attractions in Ijara district. The researches walk through the selected sites recording wildlife
species and accessibility and status of the sites.
Lake Jerey, Bodhai – Lake Jerey is cited as an area for eco- tourism development in the
area (Ijara district Strategic Plan-2004-08 and Bothai community development action plan). Lake
Jerey at Bodhai consists of a series of elongate waterholes in the bed of a drainage line,
distributed over ten kilometers.
The site can be approached along a 6 km vehicle track from the centre of Bodhai village,
although the waterholes lie only 2-3 Kilometers from the Mukowe–Bodhai road. Wildlife that can
be seen includes hippos, herds of buffaloes, topi, oribi and waterbuck. Many uses of this
remarkable wetland were noted as there were abundant signs of cattle tracking towards water
points.
Ijara and Garissa Hirola dispersal area (Buffer Zone) – Three visits were made to
known preferred habitats of the endangered hirola antelope in the outskirts of the Arawale Game
reserve. The sites are Garasweno, Galmagalla and Gababa.
PROPOSED ISHAQBINI HIROLA
COMMUNITY CONSERVANCY BOUNDARY

#
# Hara
# Legend
Water Bodies
Dam
Lake
Korisa Permanent
# ## Last Settlement River
#
#
#
Seasonal
# # #
# Water Pan
#
#
Waterhole
#
# Proposed Conservanc y Bulla Warade
Conservancy Boundary
#
# Water Points
# Area Names
#
#
Roads
# Bound Surface
Cutline
TANA PR IMATE # #
Al ijarire
#
#
# Dry Weather Road
#
Loose Surface
# # #
#
#
# Main Track (Motorable)
#
#
##
#
#
Other Tracks & Footpaths
Sheik Bin Dam District Boundary
Sublocation Boundary
Tana Primate

Kotile 0 1 2 3 4 5 Km
#
Ji lole

Kitele Oxbow N
##
# ### Abalatiro

#
#

Map prepared by Terra Nuova

#
# Transboundary Environmental Project TEP.
This Map is not an authority over
Administrative Boundaries.
May 2006

19

31
The area is dominated by relatively dense Acacia-Grewia bush land that supports much of the
livestock in the area. Several pairs dik diks, lesser kudus, small groups of Hirola antelope and
herds of buffaloes were spotted during this brief visit. Information from local communities also
indicates growing population of elephants occasionally raiding settlements around the area.
These unique combinations can provide ideal conditions for tourism development and community
owned conservation initiatives
Ishaqbini or Minnaw (Kotile) – Ishaqbini is a community wildlife conservancy located in
north of Kotile. The area holds unique potential for eco-tourism development with its scenic views,
wildlife richness, as its home to the endangered Hirola antelope, endemic gerenuks, warthogs,
Topi, and the critically endangered wild dogs. The area is ecologically connected to the adjacent
Tana primate reserve and Kipini wildlife conservancy providing wildlife dispersal area and
migratory routes for elephants and buffaloes from Witu forest and Kipini conservancy.
Boni forest – The Boni forest is a tropical coastal forest rich in biodiversity. A small
section of the forest is gazetted and managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) as a
National Reserve with an area of 1339 square kilometers.
It covers a quarter of Ijara District, stretches all the way to the Eastern part of Lamu District
and the Western section of Badaade district of Somalia. The forest covers an area of 283, 500
hectares in Ijara alone. It has wetlands and high tree canopy that can be of a great attraction to
tourists in the area. It is also a home to the hunter and gatherer Boni community who derive their
livelihoods from these forests. The Arid Lands Resource Management Project and Terra Nuova
East Africa to settle and establish livelihood programmes such as Eco-tourism and beekeeping
now support the community.
The forest is also a fall back grazing reserve for wildlife and livestock during the dry
season. There are established wildlife routes/corridors between Kotile and Witu. This is one
of the fantastic sites in the district. It has migratory elephants that move from Kipini conservancy,
Ishaqbini conservancy and the Boni forest.
Nomadic pastoralism practiced by the Abdalla is also of a great attraction. The community
lives in traditional villages such as Hadhi, Bothai, Jalish, Bulte Hama, Hara, and Korisa and is rich
in local plays, songs and has distinctive dressing styles attributed to their way of life as cattle
herders.
Interview with the local community revealed the main eco-sites of the districts as indicated
below in the table.

Table 6: Eco-Sites in Ijara district

Name of Site Attraction Use of Site
Boni forest Wildlife/forest Dry season grazing
Darin Springs Watering of livestock
Bothai Forest Settlement/ Bandas
Lake Jerey Hippos Watering
Shelu plains Wildlife Grazing
Lake Hadhi Forest/ wildlife Grazing/fishing
Walkon Landscape Grazing
Ishaqbini Wildlife Conservation
Bata Mathow Attraction corridors/ migration routes Sleeping place
Mathah Adon dam Attraction: Lions and leopards Livestock watering
Elbi Elephants Forest
Warsame Lions, Antelopes Forest
Abalatiro Wildlife such as Elephants, Tortoise, Grazing
Cheetahs, Leopard
Source: Interview of local communities in Ijara, July 2007

32
The team also visited the already developed Ishaqbini Hirola wildlife conservancy, which is an
important ecotourism site with good representation of wildlife.

Box 1: Eco-tourism as a development tool: The Ishaqbini Initiative

In 2004, the Ishaqbini Hirola Community wildlife Conservancy, located in Ijara District, Kenya, adopted
a new land diversification strategy: wildlife tourism. The main goal of this endeavor was to develop an
additional source of income for the group members to complement their normal pastoral livelihoods.
The process was initiated and supported by TEP of Terra Nuova East Africa and arid lands resource
management and NEMA where key principles such as community awareness and sensitization were
carried out. This became key to the adoption of wildlife as a livelihood initiative and this is expected to
be a model community conservancy like the Lewa Downs of Laikipia

This private ranch successfully converted from communal grazing land to wildlife conservation and
tourism heaven and continues to maintain a high profile in the Kenyan wildlife field. The Ishaqbini
Conservancy project consists of two main elements. Firstly, the designation of a large portion of land
as a conservation area, in which habitation is banned and livestock grazing is permitted only times of
need, and secondly, the recruitment of community wildlife scouts to protect wildlife against hunters
and poachers to create an ‘eco-friendly’ environment. The Conservancy is managed by and staffed by
the local community, who act as guides to visitors on bush walks and photographic missions. The
proposed activities include walking, game driving, and cultural visits. The project has achieved
widespread recognition, and is now a member of the District Environment Committee (DEC) Ijara and
has attracted funding from the Northern Wildlife Trust and is an emerging pioneer effort in community
conservation in North Eastern Province. The community consists of some 1000 households
representing 10,000 people. The sanctuary has management team and is now to be registered as
community wildlife association or society.

It has now recruited 16 staff members and a project manager who is a graduate and has knowledge
of the all area, who are all community members. The new management team is now in the process of
developing benefit-sharing mechanism to be approved by the members. The highest priority is the
provision of schools and improvement of health facilities. Funds will also be used for road building and
providing transport, as well as building cattle dips.

Source: Ahmed Bare, Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy, Kotile, August 2007

Garissa District
Rahole and Arawale Game Reserves- Garissa has Arawale and Rahole Game
Reserves– the two game reserves are under the jurisdiction of the Garissa County Council. The
reserves are not developed but are rich in mammals such as the lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah,
buffaloes, giraffes and even the endangered Hirola antelope.
Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary - The local community and partners such as the TEP of Terra
Nuova East Africa and the Arid lands Resource Management Project are now in the process of
establishing the Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary situated only three (3) kilometers from Garissa
Municipality. It is the second town in Kenya to have a giraffe sanctuary after Nairobi.

33
 A Case study of Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary
It is situated a few kilometers SE of Garissa town on the East bank of the River Tana and was established in
the early 1990s, as a refuge for giraffes and other wildlife persecuted by poachers from Somalia and the
influx of refugee in to the district. The wildlife inhabits in the bush lands on the outskirts of the town,
mingling freely with residents at Bor - Argi village and the herdsmen and their livestock

The giraffes freely intermingle with livestock and the herdsmen. There are now more than 150 of them, with
a great affection, treating them simply as fellow members of the community. Outsiders, however, marvelled
at the extraordinary bond of trust that seems to have developed between these giraffes and the people of
Bor-Argi. In 1995, four people from the village set out to create what they hoped would become a Sanctuary,
offering protection not just for the giraffes, but for other mammals as well – of species that, while less
conspicuous than the giraffes, had also sought refuge in the vicinity.

This small volunteer force proved to be remarkably dedicated, not least in under taking regular wildlife
patrols and desnaring sweeps. As more and more local villagers joined the conservation effort, so the
group’s actions expanded to cover a broader area (now spanning some 42 km²!), which came to be known
locally as the Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary. By late 2005, the ‘sanctuary group’ had expanded to include 96
active members, all from the village and its immediate environs.

The Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary, in being entirely a local conservation and natural resource management
initiative, has no formal status in Kenya as a legal, registered entity. The process of seeking formal status for
the sanctuary has, perhaps not unreasonably, prompted fears among local communities that control of the
enterprise by falling into the hands of “outsiders” be wrested away from them.
The Trans-boundary Environmental Project (TEP), funded by the European Commission and implemented
by the dry-land natural resource management NGO Terra Nuova in association with arid lands Resource
management project, has since June 2003 being acting, at the behest of local communities, as an
intermediary between the different factions and between them and both Local and Central Government, in
the shape of institutions like the KWS and the National Environment Management Authority NEMA).

Many process have been achieved since then involving all stakeholders, and community members, though,
yet to realize actual benefit but, remains optimistic that these extraordinary sanctuary, in which people want
to go on living a long side giraffes and other wild animals, will soon gain the recognition it clearly deserves,
and that the people of Bour-Argi will before long be able to reap the benefits of their voluntary conservation
investment.

Source: Hassan Ahmed Affey, Honary Warden Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary, August 2007.

The discussions and interview with the local community revealed the following as
the main eco-sites of great attractions in the district as indicated in the table 7 below.

Table 7: Eco-Sites in Garissa district

Name of Site Attraction Use of Site
Bulla-Argi giraffe sanctuary Wildlife Conservation
Tana River Wildlife Fishing/ watering/ fencing
materials
Arawale Game reserve Wildlife Conservation
Rahole Wildlife Conservation
Tana bridge Hippos Viewpoint
Range land Pastoralist culture Grazing
Cultural villages Traditional lifestyle Settlement
Folaat Ostrich conservancy Conservation
Dagega Endangered Hirola species Conservation/ grazing
Source: Interview of local communities in Garissa, July 2007

34
4.8.2 Cultural beliefs /activities that attract tourists in the three districts
Lamu is well known for the preservation of the Swahili culture while Ijara and Garissa are
untapped treasures of the nomadic lifestyle. The major cultural attractions of the region are;

Table 8: Cultural beliefs /activities that attract tourists in the three districts
Lamu Garissa Ijara
Local plays Camel rides in Garissa Jumping over trees
Jumping over trees Throwing of spears
Traditional songs and poetry
Throwing of spears Traditional wooden utensils
Swahili Cultural History Traditional wooden utensils
Traditional baskets such as the Sati- Traditional baskets such as the Sati-
Traditional dressings a form of wooden basket used by the a form of wooden basket used by the
Religious festivals such as the Eid Ogaden in Garissa to preserve meals Ogaden in Garissa to preserve
and Moulidi for husbands meals for husbands
Fotfothey- traditional curtain material
Donkey rides in Lamu used by the Somali Fotfothey- traditional curtain material
Hand craft used by the Somali
Boat rides Somali artifacts such as the wooden
Swimming pillow (Barki in Somali) Somali artifacts such as the wooden
Henna painting Local Somali poetry pillow (Barki in Somali)
Fishing expeditions Nomadic pastoralism
Swahili dishes Local Somali poetry
Dhow safaris Traditional wrestling and games
Traditional wrestling and games
Camel rides
Bull rides and fighting
Bull rides and fighting
Religious festivals such as the Eid
and Moulidi festivals

Source: Interview of local communities in Ijara, Lamu, and Garissa July 2007
Moulidi festival – The festival is a traditional religious event that is celebrated every year
in Lamu. In Garissa only some few conservative members of the society observe it. The festival
pulls about 15,000 people to Lamu Island annually and brings the town to life with its songs,
dances, and donkey and dhow racing.
Beach Safaris – the Kenya coastline stretches for 480 KM. Traders come from Arabia,
India, Portugal, and China historically to the Kenyan coastal areas. The blend of Arab and
African culture at the coast creates a unique and new culture known as the Swahili. The beaches
are lined with protective coral reefs creating calm waters ideal for swimming and water sports.
Other traditional activities that attract tourist to the port of Lamu are aquatic adventure such as:
• Para-flying
• Water skiing
• Sailing,
• Sea Kayaking
• Wind Surfing and the world famous game fishing
Swahili Culture – The Swahili culture has unique cruisine and fresh seafood with local
known spices. Conservative coastal villages also characterize it. They specialize in local
handcraft and making of local dresses such as the Kikoi.
Cultural Safaris – Villages can be visited to learn in remote area such as the Boni
inhabited villages of Basuba, Mangai, and Milimano with the use of local tour guides.
Elephant back safaris – this product is not yet applied in Kenya tourism sector but the
study reveals that literature available at KWS shows that over 45%-60% of foreign tourists prefer
this activity and costs USD3000 per person per 5 days in Botswana. This is quite possible activity
in Kipini conservancy of Lamu district.

35
 Fishing trips – Sport fishing is possible in Lamu and the permanent wetlands of the Boni
forest in Ijara district, especially so in, Lake Jerey and Hadhi. Nationally 52% of the foreign
tourists and 34% of domestic tourists prefer this activity.
Boat safaris – Different types in use /ready- preferred by 63% foreign, 48% resident park
visitors
Air based safaris – e.g. Balloon safaris and flying safaris in light aircraft- preferred by 60%
foreign tourists, 21% by locals. This is ideal in the plains of Gababa village of Ijara district with a
view to the wildlife of Arawale National Reserve.
Home stays – This tradition is practiced in Garissa and Ijara as a result of extended family
systems. Distant relatives or friends come to stay with a family. Such families are used to
foreigners and can easily accept a homestay arrangement for local tourists so long us they will
benefit from hosting of the tourist. The tourist will also learn local lives, customs, traditions, and
individuals to establish close bonds and friendship. This is good for visitors interested in
ethnography as a fascinating work.
Dolphin Safaris – This is common in Lamu and associated Islands. Dhow trips can be
organized for watching dolphins in their true habitat in the sea. Clear channels are followed with
lots of dolphin.
Camel’s treks – This is possible in Garissa and will provide and experience of its kind.
The tourist will mix and walk with traditional Somali warriors along dry plains in isolated villages.
They attach a lot of value to camels as a beast of burden and as an income earner. The herders
will always sing songs in praise of the camels, the herders and the environment in which they live.
Walking safaris – The Somali in Ijara and Garissa like walking. The walking expeditions
will enable the visitors to watch wildlife, take photographs of scenes and interact will traditional
Somali families. It is undertaken in parks and reserves in Kenya preferred by 75% foreign tourists
and 69% of domestic tourists- appropriate in most of the conservancies and sanctuaries in the
study area.
Camel Cup and Racing – There is potential for camel derby in Garissa. This can earn the
local community income and create an adventure for tourists. The event will involve camel racing
and issue of prizes for the winners. It will also include exhibition of the traditional products of the
camels as practiced by the Somali and Orma.
Night game drives – this is currently practiced in Non-Government tourist destinations in
Kenya preferred by 66% of foreign tourists and 63% of domestic tourists. This is very appropriate
in the Kipin and Ishaqbini Conservancies as well as the Garissa Giraffe sanctuary.

4.8.3 Wildlife and forest attractions in the districts

The region is rich in wildlife species that can be of great attraction to tourists. Wildlife population
was affected by the poaching activities of the 1960s and 1970s. The government initiated a
thorough wildlife protection campaign that resulted in communities co-existing with wildlife in this
region. The elephant population is increasing in Garissa and Ijara districts while community
conservancies in Lamu and Ijara are protecting and creating awareness on the importance of
wildlife. With the presence of over 180 species of birds, the endangered Hirola antelope, four of
the big wildlife, diversity of grazers and browsers and the African wild dog in Ijara and Southern
Garissa the potential of the region for eco-tourism development is great and promising. Other
great attraction in the region includes the Kiunga marine park and biodiversity rich wetlands of the
Boni, Dodori and Witu forests.

36
Group of wild dogs recently spotted in Ijara - Masalani road canopy of the biodiversity rich Boni forest ecosystem

The table 9 below shows the wildlife species that were spotted during the study:

Table 9: Wildlife species that were spotted during the study

Lions Antelopes Hippopotamus
Elephants Zebra Velvet monkey
Cheetah Oryx Rhino
Leopard Water buck Buffalo
Ostrich Fox Squirrels
Hyena Wild dog Hirola
Tortoise Eland Turtles
Giraffe Baboons Frogs
Gerenuk Crocodiles Prawns
Dugong
Source: Field Observation in Ijara, Lamu and Garissa districts, July 2007

4.9 Tourism earnings in Kenya

In the 1990s, the Amboseli National Park generated 0.5 Billion shilling meaning 12890kshs per
Ha. These amounts to over (100) one hundred times the income per Ha earned from adjacent
Maasai ranches that occasionally support 40% the parks wildlife.
Tourism earnings increased by 26% margin to KES 34 billion in 2007 up from 27 billion
over the same period in 2006 in Kenya. Revenue from domestic tourism made up for 25% of the
total earning in the half year contributing KES 8.7 billion of the amount. The average tourism
growth rate of 10% is faster than the development of bed capacity on the ground (G.O.K Report
July 2007).

4.9.1 Hotel Industry

A total of 26 hoteliers were interviewed in Lamu and Garissa while only 5 Hoteliers were
interviewed in Ijara. A wide range of coastal hotels, resorts, beachside camps and private
guesthouses are available in the study area.
The government collects tax on food, drinks and accommodation services in the hotel
industry at a rate of 2% annually. The annual government earnings in terms of this particular tax
charge are illustrated in table 10:

37
 Table 10: Tax earning from Hotel industry
Year Tax earnings Projected earnings for
KES the hotel industry –
(Millions) KES (Billions)
2003 380 190
2004 442 221
2005 602 301
2006 713 356.5
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Tourism Bulletin, Vol. 3, 2007

Lamu has the world’s best seafoods available and catering is a coastal specialty. The sun, sea
and sand are endless opportunities for adventure at the historic Lamu and its associated Islands
(Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Tourism Bulletin vol 3 April 2007). The major hotels in the three
districts are listed in the table 9 below.

Table 11: Major Hotels in Garissa, Ijara and Lamu

Lamu Garissa Ijara
Peponi Hiddig Hotel Balah Resort
Palace Prestige/Almond Resort Southern Blue
Bahari Nomad Palace Ijara Guest House
Mahrus Nomad Resort Nasra Lodge
Archepilago Kora Hotel
Kijani House Hotel Red Sun
Iftin lodge
Jamhuri Club
Government Guest
House
Town Club
Zaire Bar and Restaurant
The Total Earnings as a result of employment in the hotel industry of the surveyed hotels in the
three districts is as indicated in the table number 12 and diagram (f);
Table 12: Earnings from employment in the hotel industry
District Number of Annual Staff Earnings
Employees
Garissa 285 1,518,000
Ijara 30 426,000
Lamu 380 6,441,552
Source: Personal interview of Hoteliers in Garissa, Ijara and Lamu, July 2007

Diagram (f) Total earnings from employment in the hotel industry

Total Earnings from Employement in the Hotel

Industry

10000000
Total
Earnings
5000000
from
Em ployem e
0
Gariss Ijara Lamu

Number of 285 30 380

Employees

Districts

38
All the five hotels surveyed in Ijara were established in the last five years while 50 % of the
surveyed hotels in Garissa were established in the last eight years. Most of the hotels in Lamu
are old as they were established over 20 years ago. It can be inferred that the Hotel industry in
Ijara and Garissa is expanding having registered a growth rate of at least 15% annually while that
of Lamu is estimated to be growing at 10% annually. The growth rate of the hotel industry in Ijara
can be attributed to the establishment of the new Ijara district and urbanization. There is
therefore urban – rural migration that attracts large population of people to Masalani town.

Table 13: Bed capacity, occupancy, charges, and total earnings

District No. Bed Average Accommodation Projected Projected Projected
Of occup charge per - Annual Accom Accom. Accom.
Beds ancy bed (KES) Earnings (KES) Earnings Earnings Earnings
% 2007 2008 2009 2010
Garissa 995 60 470 101,012,400 117,012,400 134,564,260 154,748,899
Ijara 135 65 110 3,474,900 3,996,135 4,598,555 5,288,338
Lamu 1126 61 1870 167,819,784 184,601,762 203,061,938 243,368,132
Source: Personal interview of hoteliers in Lamu, Ijara and Garissa, July 2007

Ijara has the highest bed occupancy rate of 65%. This is due to limited accommodation facilities
in Masalani town. Earnings from accommodation in the tourism industry in Lamu are 40% higher
than that of Garissa.
Most of these hotels in Ijara and Garissa do not meet international standards. However
there are good hotels such as Nomad and Hiddig Hotel that measure to international standards.
The two hotels are leaders in conference tourism as they host most seminars and workshops in
Garissa district
The completion of the State of the Art spacious Almond Resort Hotel in Garissa is
expected to contribute to the quality of accommodation for international visitors to this fast
growing town.
There are only two one star hotels in the study area. These hotels are Peponi and Palace
Hotel. Peponi is in Shella Island while Palace is in Lamu Island of Lamu district. The cost of
accommodation in the two hotels is as shown in table 14 below;

Table 14: Cost of accommodation at Palace and Peponi Hotels, Lamu

Hotel Low Season Accommodation High Season
charges Accommodation charges
Peponi - 10,000
Palace 3,500 6,000
Source: Joel Cheriot, Tourism Police Officer, District Tourism Office, Lamu, July 2007

Peponi closes during low season while Palace is operational through out the year but reduces
its accommodation charges to KES 3,500 per person per night. The low season is in April – June
while the high season is July – March every year. Shella Island of Lamu district has one of the
best beaches in the country and is known for its leisure tourism.

4.9.2 Visitor Numbers

Lamu and Garissa districts receive visitors from all over the world while Ijara receives mostly
Kenyans and sometimes-European visitors. Most of the visitors to Lamu are tourists while the
ones that visit Garissa and Ijara come on government business, United Nations missions or NGO
work.

39
 The decline in the seaports of East Africa and the banning of mangrove harvesting led the
local community in Lamu to invest in tourism enterprises. According to the Lamu tourist office and
the NMK by 1990 a total of 3000 foreigners visited the town. This number grew to 9,570 and
11,250 in the year 2004 and 2005 respectively. Amongst the visitors are groups of students from
Universities in Europe and America who have made Lamu their study areas.
However, international terrorism upheavals particularly the 9/11 dealt a big blow to tourism
numbers. The listing of Lamu as World Heritage Site seems to have rescued the town from total
collapse. It is apparent that at present Lamu is experiencing a boom in tourism as a result of its
international heritage status that has pulled high paying investors and tourists.

4.9.3 Potential impacts of eco-tourism

The table 15 below summarizes the envisaged positive and negative impacts of ecotourism
development in the study area.
The table 15 below illustrates the potential positive and negative impacts of ecotourism;

Table 15: potential positive and negative impacts

Potential Positive Impacts Potential Negative impacts
(A1) Economic benefits of eco-tourism development (A2) Negative impacts/risks on the local economy
• Improvement of business enterprises • Over dependence on foreign tourists
• Promotes growth of carving industries • Price of commodity increases
• Provides opportunities for growth of local • Uneven revenue sharing mechanism
entertainment • Lack of transparency in management
(B1) Community benefits of eco-tourism (B2) Negative impacts/risks on local communities
development • Prostitution
• Employment • Indecent dressing
• Improvement of food supply • Drug trafficking
• Rural Development • Increased school dropouts
• Capacity building • Spread of diseases
• Improvement of infrastructure • Cultural conflicts
• Promotes inter-cultural communication
• Promotes traditional wear
• Promotes historical and cultural sites
• Improves education of communities
(C1) Environmental benefits of eco-tourism (C2) Negative impacts/risks on the environment
development • Human-induced climate changes
• Helps promote conservation • Pollution
• Environmental sound activities • Wildlife disturbance
• Improved M& E of the environment • Off road driving
• Minimal impacts on the environment and local • Habitat degradation
cultures • Environmental degradation
• Promotes biodiversity

4.9.4 Opportunity costs of eco-tourism to local communities in the area

Every enterprise initiative must have costs and benefits. The envisaged opportunity cost
of eco-tourism development according to local communities interviewed includes:
• Denial of grazing rights and spread of diseases
• Artisan works restricted
• Restricted access to bush meat
• No land for Seasonal farms
• Restricted access to traditional water points

40
 • Dangers of attack by wild animals
• Increase in human/ wildlife conflicts
• Fear of being westernized and loss of culture

Giraffes and goats grazing in the same area at Garissa Giraffe Sanctuary

Will the creation of a well managed community wildlife sanctuary hinder the free movement of
livestock in the sanctuary at a cost to the local communities? or will the benefits of such
hindrances out way the costs? Eco-tourism enterprise management need to look into the
opportunity costs of interventions in order to resolve conflicts at later stages of enterprise
development.

4.9.5 Challenges to Eco-tourism Development in the study area;

The key challenges of ecotourism are:
• It is not easy to assess community benefits as communities take it as a welfare thing and
not business enterprises
• Competition for visitors increase without affecting the quality of service

The study further reveals the challenges to eco-tourism development in the region as:
• Political wrangling and corruption
• Inequality in benefit distribution
• Grazing rights
• Poor marketing
• Community ownership of eco-tourism enterprises
• Inadequate technical knowledge on eco-tourism
• Inadequate systems for promoting eco-tourism
• Cultural conflicts and taboos
• Inadequate financing mechanisms
• Maintaining security
• Lack of credit facility to promote ecotourism
• Illiteracy
• Poor infrastructure
• Natural disasters such as floods and drought

41
 • Documenting the environmental impacts through annual audits
• Inadequate networking of stakeholders

Chapter 5 Discussions
5.1 Policies
The government policies and legislation relevant to conservation and eco-tourism development
need to harmonize within the various sectors, which can be contradictory. Most importantly, such
policies must address issues of tenure of all natural resources, not simply land.
These policies should include the guidelines, codes of conduct and best practices that
define eco-tourism. Policies must address the conservation of biodiversity and environmental
sustainability through eco-tourism and should also include monitoring and evaluation processes
of eco-tourism developments. Governments in the region should offer support and financial
incentives in developing the eco-tourism sector as well as improving communities’ access to
funds. However, eco-tourism initiatives need to be managed in line with business and market
principles, as well as considering social and environmental obligations for sustainability.
Contracts between the partners in eco-tourism initiatives must be legally sound and outline
mechanisms of transparency and accountability from all sides, ensuring equitability. Where
necessary, eco-tourism partners should work together to improve awareness and education of all
parties including training in business skills needed for eco-tourism. Most importantly, to be
successful, all of the aspects above must be developed with the full involvement of the
community. Adopting this “bottom-up” approach creates awareness, enhances skills and
engenders a sense of ownership amongst the community toward eco-tourism. Ultimately, this will
ensure that the people who have traditionally managed the region’s wild-lands receive just
rewards for their stewardship.

Aside from the statements above there were some specific points within each theme that also
need to be emphasized.
1. Eco-tourism Planning in Protected and Natural Areas: Areas targeted for eco-tourism
developments should be zoned, taking into consideration the needs of the eco-tourism
partners and should be environmentally sound.
2. Community Involvement and Community Based Eco-tourism: Communities have
specific strengths and should be allocated responsibilities within eco-tourism
developments. Eco-tourism should also promote respect for the local culture and
indigenous knowledge g
3. Eco-tourism as a Business Activity: Development agencies should act as brokers in
eco-tourism development between communities and the business sector. They should
emphasize the long-term nature of such initiatives and that benefits will be accrued
both directly and indirectly to partners in Eco-tourism developments.
4. Eco-tourism policies at the national level: National policies need to define the roles and
relationships of eco-tourism partners (communities, community based organizations,
non-governmental organizations, business sector, government and Donors) and their
responsibilities.
5. Eco-tourism Policies at the Regional and International Levels: National and Regional
Eco-tourism policies must be integrated across countries. Policies should also be
dynamic and able to respond to the findings of monitoring and evaluation procedures.

5.2 Attractions in the region

The major attractions in the region are scenic forest biodiversity, rich Boni, Somali and Swahili
cultures, abundant wildlife, protected game reserves and community wildlife sanctuaries. The
42
region has also the Lamu World Heritage sites and rich marine life and wetlands with abundant
fish species
The region has more attractions than the well-established tourism circuits in Kenya. There is
therefore need to link it to the Coast tourism circuit and the newly proposed Northern Tourism
Circuit so that communities can benefit from their conservation efforts.
5.3 Infrastructure
The study reveals that infrastructure for tourism development need to be improved. These are in
the form of airports, roads, markets, hotels etc
There are infrastructure developments in Garissa and Ijara especially in the hotel industry
due increased visitor numbers while ruins and old buildings are being turned in to private and
guest houses in Lamu.
The Wajir Military Airport is going to be the fourth International Airport in Kenya will
promote tourism development and facilitate visitor movements in the region.
It is clear that the listing of Lamu as a world heritage site has brought challenges to all
stakeholders. The challenge encompasses striking a balance between conserving Lamu’s fragile
built heritage and ever expanding needs of the local people.
Lamu’s international status is luring all kind of investors; particularly those who want to
invest in tourism. This has prompted the property market to shoot up to unbelievable levels
tempting the locals to sell their houses to willing buyers. With the reigning free market economy it
is becoming very difficult to convince locals not to sell their properties. Perhaps, the solution to
this is for the government to set laws that will encourage people to lease their properties instead
of selling.
On the other hand, the economic and tourism boom has attracted a lot of job seekers in to
Lamu Island. This has resulted in the establishment of informal settlements that area a great
challenge to infrastructure developments in this world heritage site.
Political interference and wrangling is slowing down the planned extension of the World
heritage site boundaries to Shella Island. This is also a hindrance to development and
implementation of a management plan for the world heritage site by the National Museums of
Kenya and the Lamu County Council.
The growth of the hotel industry in Garissa is due to improved security and increased
awareness and increase in government and Civil Society Organization activities in the district.
The Hotel industry in Lamu employs over ten times the number of people employed in the
hotel industry in Ijara district and the earnings from employment in Lamu Hotel industry is at least
six times higher than that of Garissa district. The bed occupancy, charges and total annual
earnings from accommodation services in the surveyed hotels are given in the table below;

5.4 Partnership on Eco-tourism Development

Partnership is the new keyword in donor-community circles, and multilateral organizations and
national departments responsible for development cooperation both seem to have embraced the
concept of ‘Public-Private Partnerships’. This bond is supposed to be the panacea for spurring
progress in a wide array of economic and utility sectors (especially water, electricity and
telecommunications) in the developing world. It is envisaged that through the private sector more
pro-poor activities will be implemented. This is considered necessary if the world wants to meet
the Millennium Development Goals of halving world poverty by 2015. Donors nowadays stress
that aid agencies do not make money, businesses do. Partnerships are presented as the ultimate
remedy for solving community’s problems of hunger and poverty.
Based on the principles laid out in the Quebec Declaration and the objectives of the World
Summit on Sustainable Development, the Charter focuses on the development of effective
partnerships for ecotourism. ‘Through partnerships it is envisaged that the natural, human and

43
financial capital of the world’s peoples can contribute to the conservation of natural and cultural
heritage. The foundation for a partnership is the sharing of skills and resources in order to plan for
and deliver successful ecotourism in practice.’
To be successful, ecotourism partners should:

9 Enter into partnerships voluntarily;

9 Respect each partner’s aspirations and accommodate each partner’s operational
requirements, including respect for social and cultural values;
9 Work together to ensure partnerships benefit natural areas in which ecotourism
occurs;
9 Commit to collaborate, share knowledge and adapt individual goals and objectives for
the good of the partnership;
9 Actively participate in partnership activities and establish regular, clear and open
communication strategies;
9 Establish equitable access for all parties to expertise and resources necessary to
become full participants in the partnership;
9 Value each party’s contributions to the partnership – acknowledging traditional inputs
such as financial capital; and less tangible factors, such as intellectual property; and
9 Work together in a transparent planning process to define milestones, monitor
performance and periodically re-evaluate goals and objectives, as a flexible response
to the dynamic nature of partnerships

This survey revealed that local Communities in Ijara and Garissa having less experience in eco-
tourism development and highly support the development of partnerships in eco-tourism
initiatives.

Chapter 6 Conclusion and recommendations

6.1 Recommendations
• Capacity building of communities on importance of ecological areas, eco-tourism
development and enterprise management will be paramount to the successful
implementation of eco-tourism developments in the area. Training of the local investors
should follow this on tourism promotions and benefit sharing schemes so that both
investors and communities can realize the benefits of eco-tourism in the area.
• Sensitization and awareness creation on general conservation of the environment need to
be undertaken as a continuous support exercise to eco-tourism development in the region.
This will assist conservancy management teams to make informed decisions and will
create clean environment, which is a prerequisite for eco-tourism development.
• There is need to initiate programmes to develop participatory forest management plan for
Boni, Dodori and Witu forests. This will assist in biodiversity conservation and
management of the forest to safeguard the livelihoods of the inhabitants.
• Improvement of infrastructure will lead to more investment in eco-tourism as enterprises.
The infrastructure to be developed includes, tourism resource centers, provision of cultural
museums, roads, airports, markets and even telecommunication services in the region.
This will also create employment and rejuvenate the existing enterprises. For the region to
benefit more from eco-tourism development there is also need to invest more in provision
of clean water and uninterrupted power supply even if it means to invest in solar energy in
the community conservancies. The revival of the existing airstrips in the area e.g.
Kizingitini, Siu, Mkokoni, Kiunga and Kiwayu in Lamu district, Arawale, and Bura in Garissa
district, will increase visitor flow to the area
44
 • Provision of loans to local community entrepreneurs will also provide the much-needed
finances for eco- tourism development in the area.
• There is also need to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and initiate eco-tourism
promotion and marketing campaigns for the region. This should be spear headed by
environmental NGOs such as the Terra Nuova, KWS and the Kenya Tourism Board.
• The government needs to post tourism extension officers to Garissa and Ijara districts.
They will provide the much-needed sensitization and awareness on eco-tourism
development for the region.
• There is also need to form linkages of the Coastal tourist circuit and establishment of the
northern tourist circuit
• The KWS, donors, environmental NGOs such as the Terra Nuova need to establish and
mark wildlife migratory routes and the buffer zones in the area. This will contribute to the
conservation of the community conservancies such as Kipini and Isheikhpini and boast
wildlife protection in the study area. There is also need to develop existing game reserves
in the three districts
• The local communities should preferably finance and build basic facilities and
infrastructure themselves. Starting small with one’s own resources and slowly building up
is preferable. Setting aside nicely located, safe camping areas and the development of
water facilities would be a good starting point. The big disadvantage of leaving the
development of infrastructure to the private sector is that the tour operator becomes the
owner of the conservation area. An alternative approach is that communal money earned
over the years from the partnership is re- invested and the group becomes the majority
shareholder in the venture.

6.2 Conclusion and Way forward

The study reveals that the ecotourism potential of this region is high. The development of
infrastructure will accelerate the establishment of ecotourism enterprises in the region. It is
expected that ecotourism will create wealth and provide jobs to thousands of residents. This will
diversify their incomes and reduce dependency on livestock, which is prone to drought.
The local communities in Kipini, Bor Argi, Bothai and Ishaqbini have already made
attempts to establish ecotourism enterprises by establishing community wildlife conservancies,
Sanctuaries and Bandas in Bothai villages within the Boni forest ecosystem. The success of
these enterprises and the future of ecotourism development in the region will depend capacity
building and financing initiatives by the public sector and the civil society organizations operating
in the region for the local communities with interest in ecotourism development.
The region is rich in wildlife species that can be of great attraction to tourists. With the
presence of the endangered Hirola antelope, four of the big wildlife and the African wild dog in
Ijara and Southern Garissa the potential of the region for eco-tourism development are great and
promising. The local communities have a rich cultural heritage through their attire, dances, the
manyattas, and artifacts, which form major tourist attractions. There are varying local cultures
such as the Swahili, Boni, nomadic pastoralism practiced by the Somali is also of a great
attraction.
Lamu has the world’s best seafoods available and catering is a coastal specialty. The sun,
sea and sand are endless opportunities for adventure at the historic world heritage sites in Lamu
and its associated Islands.
The region has therefore more attractions than the well-established tourism circuits in
Kenya. There is therefore need to link it to the Coast tourism circuit and the newly proposed
Northern Tourism Circuit so that communities can benefit from their conservation efforts.
Many components are involved in the development of eco-tourism including training public
relations and marketing. The question is how do we start? This is where I return to eco-tourism
45
principles. I believe the emerging principles are only applicable to Kenya Tourism Industry. With
new and diverse markets opening worldwide Kenya must act quickly and decisively.
Forming an eco-tourism association could make a good start. The association should bring
together local councils, government and other stakeholders with tourism interests. More
awareness and discussions need to be initiated. The eco-tourism association could also establish
the principles and standards on which the industry should be based.

46
References
1. G.O.K- Ministry of planning and finance: Lamu district PSP consultative report 2001-2004
2. Garissa district development plan, 2002- 2008
3. H o n e y, M. (1999) Eco-tourism and Sustainable Development
4. Ijara district development plan, 2002 -2008
5. Lamu district development plan, 2002- 2008
6. Michael M.EM. Rutten Partnership in community based eco-tourism projects: Experiences
from Maasai Region, Kenya, 2004
7. Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Tourism Bulletin vol 3 April 2007
8. Press / Shear water Books, Washington D.C., Covelo California
9. R. Duffy, Journal of Ecotourism Vol. 5, Nos. 1&2, 2006
10. Steve Shelley, Trade Training International, Marketing Strategies For Eco-tourism in
Africa;
11. Wacher, T. J. and Andanje, S. 2004, the potential role of Kipini Wildlife and Botanical
Conservancy in the conservation and development of wildlife and natural resources; Lamu,
Ijara and Tana Districts, Kenya. Kipini Wildlife and Botanical Conservancy Trust
12. Watkins, J.R., Macharia, W. & Panopoulos, L. (2002) Proceedings from the East African
International Year of ecotourism
13. Western D. (1997) In the Dust of Kilimanjaro Island

47
Annexes
Anex1: Programme for Eco-tourism Study

Activity Time
1.Secondary Data collection, 6-18/07/2007
Development, administration and analysis of
questionnaires.

2. Three Needs assessment and stakeholder 18-23/07/2007

analysis consultative meetings/workshops Garissa,
Ijara, Lamu

3. Workshops/consultative meetings to assess 01-05 /08/07

potential of establishing eco/cultural tourism
infrastructure facilities at various identified sites in
the study districts

4. Survey on potentials for establishing eco-tourism 06-13/08/2007

enterprises in the three districts.

5. Data analysis and Draft report writing 15/08/2007 – 30/08/2007

6. Project report submission 08/09/2007

48
Annex 2: List of participants
No Name Institution/Place
1. M.M. Dahir Drought Management Officer, Ijara
2. I.K Tonui DC, Ijara district
3. Sheriff Mohamed TEP Ijara Field Monitor
4. A.H. Ali TEP Field Coordinator, Garissa
5. George G. Jilow DSDO, Ijara
6. Salim Bagana DO Central, Ijara
7. Peter Lenkeren – Warden KWS, Ijara
8. Kangi Douglas DAO, Ijara
9. Josphat Mwangi Livestock Department
10. Mohamed Shidiye Hilow DWO, Ijara
11. Abdikadir Sheikh Hassan Deputy Chairman Ijara County Council
12. T.O. Changamu DFO Ijara
13. Rose S.Antipa – Researcher, NEMA, Nairobi
14. Ahmed Ali – Teacher, Ijara
15. Bare Hussein Community Forester, Bothai
16. Ali A. Hussein TEP, Garissa
17. Hussein A. Somow DEO, Ijara, NEMA
18. Mohamud H.Ali PDE, NEP, NEMA
19. Maryama Tuti Forest committee, Milimano
20. Abdi Dida Headman, Milimano
21. Habiba Malo Forest committee, Milimano
22. Asha Osman Community Representative Milimano
23. Aden Ahmed Councilor
24. David M. Mucheru - Forester Bothai
25. Mohamed Aden Abdi Chief, Masalani
26. Aden Bille Bare DEO, NEMA, Garissa
27. Hassan Affey Hon. Warden, Garissa
28. Mohamed Garad Community Representative Garissa
29. Mahat Ali Ibrahim Community Representative Garissa
30. Fardosa Bishar Community Representative Garissa
31. Mukhtar Sheikh Community Representative Garissa
32. Hassan Sheikh Forester Garissa
33. Abdi Hussein Garissa
34. Abdullahi Abdi Teacher, Garissa
35. Abdikadir Aden, Intern PDE Office, Garissa
36. Mohamed Abdi Teacher, Garissa
37. M/S Donfil Okondo DC’s Office- Lamu
38. R. Kiprotich Forester, Lamu
39. Otiato John District Statistics Officer, Lamu
40. Ali Godana DDO’s Office, Lamu
41. Nasra Bisharo Community Representative Kiunga
42. Faraj Mohamed Community Representative Lamu
43. Fatuma Abass Community Representative Kiunga
44. Abdul Mohamed Community Representative Lamu
45. Omar A Abdalla NMK LAMU
46. Abdullahi Duntow Arawale Hirola community
47. Amuga ouwor Clerk, GMC, Garissa
49
48. Mr. Ogola D.O Garissa
49. Mambo Mohamed Internal trade
50. Yassin farah DMO, Garissa
51. Rashid Mwagi DDO office, Garissa
52. Mohamed Abdi ENDA-Garissa
53. Dekow A Hilow DAO, Garissa
54. Somane Bille Youth Leader
55. Salim Yarow D/DSDO
56. Hirey Mohamed IWICET, Ijara
57. Basher Dahir Councilor, Ijara
58. Abdi Ali Field officer, CDC, Ijara
59. Abass Hassan Council of Imams, Ijara
60. Ahmed Bare Ishaqbini conservancy, Kotile

50