Perceived Role of Local Stakeholders’ Networks on Sustainable Tourism Development in Selected Group Ranches in Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) has emerged due to the exponential growth of tourism, which has significantly impacted natural and socio-cultural resources. The need for sustainability, as highlighted in literature like the Brundtland Report, is critical. It is a general consensus that scarcity of resources is a problem facing tourism organizations the problem and this has prompted local businessmen to source for external resources in their networks. This corroborates the fact that networks present an important source of support for businesses. This study focused on the role of stakeholders’ networks in promoting sustainable tourism in the Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County. A notable gap exists in information sharing and stakeholder networking, with existing frameworks primarily centered on conservation rather than STD. Stakeholders, including accommodation providers, local destination organizations, local communities, conservation organizations, the government, and travel organizers, play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity of sustainability initiatives. Networking offers solutions to industry challenges by fostering unified decision-making and addressing local resource and expertise deficiencies. The study employed descriptive and explanatory research designs, targeting a sample population of 420 participants from different groups in the Amboseli ecosystem, including community members, lodge managers, Kenya Wildlife Service officials, and NGO representatives. Data were collected using questionnaires and structured interviews, analyzed through Pearson and Regression Analysis. Results showed that stakeholder networks significantly and positively influence sustainable tourism development (r=0.246, p=0.000). Collaborations among stakeholders and existence of community mobilization initiatives were proved to be an important component in fostering stakeholders’ networks in AE. The study recommendations include fostering stakeholder networks, capacity building for leaders, enacting legislation to involve local communities, forming societies for local tourism entrepreneurs to network, and collaborating with local universities and research institutions on sustainable tourism issues.