1 | P a g e

MASENO UNIVERSTY

SCHOOL OF PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

COURSE: DISSERTATION

COURSE CODE: NPL 413

SUPERVISOR: MRS. JENNIFER OTIENO

NAME: PAUL OGUDA OCHIENG‟

ADM NO: NS/0051/08

TOPIC:. Unlocking The Potential of Kisumu City as a major tourism destination

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 3rd April 2012

2 | P a g e

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..4

1.1 Problem statement……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….4

1.2 Purpose of the study……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5

1.3 Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..5

1.3.1 Research hypothesis………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….5

1.3.2 Research questions………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….5

1.4 Scope of the study………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

1.5 Study justification……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

2.1.0 Historic districts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

2.1.1Waterfronts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

2.1.2 Convention centres and exhibitions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

2.1.3 Festivals and events …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

2.1.4 Special Visitor Districts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9

2.1.5 Tourism employees and residents as city advocates ……………………………………………………………………………………….11

2.1.6 Retail and catering facilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11

2.2 CASE STUDIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11

2.2.1 Nice (france)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11

2.2.2 Metropolitan detroit………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12

2.3 Physical location………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13

2.3.1 Topography…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14

2.3.3 Climate………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

2.3.3 Soils……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………15

2.3.4 Administrative units…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

2.4 Situational analysis of kisumu city…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

2.4.1Administration………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

2.4.2 Urban planning…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17

2.4.3 The economic situation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

2.4.4 Informal and private sectors ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18

2.4.5 Urban poverty…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..18

2.4.6 Urban infrastructure and basic services ………………………………………………………………………………………………..…….19

3 | P a g e

2.4.7 Sanitation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………19

2.4.8 Public transport……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….20

2.4.9 Sources of energy………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20

2.4.10 Health…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..20

2.4.11 Education………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………21

2.4.12 Governance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……21

3.0 Methodology………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..23

3.0.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….23

3.0.2 Subjects of the study……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23

3.1 Nature and sources of data………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23

3.1.1 Secondary data…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23

3.1.2 Primary data………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..23

3.2 Methods of data analysis and presentation…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24

3.3 Study area: Kisumu city………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………25

4.0 References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………29

5.0 Appendice………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….30

interview schedules and questionnnaires……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………31

TABLE OF FIGURES

Fig 1.Kisumu County facts and figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………14

Fig 2. Kisumu city map………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Fig 3.Kisumu administrative units……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16

Fig 4.Kisumu city in google earth……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………26

Fig 5.Map of Kisumu city within Kisumu county…………………………………………………………………………………………………..28

4 | P a g e

1.0 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Tourism is Kenya‟s premier foreign exchange earner contributing to more than10 % of the GDP and

also helping employ a big number of the country‟s labour force of whom cannot be absorbed by other

sectors of the economy.

Tourism can be used to bring many broader benefits that will contribute to the economic and social

well-being of local communities as well as to individuals. It can be used as the focus of regeneration of

urban and rural areas by providing a catalyst for growth in an area thus raising its profile and stabilizing

out-migration from that particular area, it can also provide opportunities for retraining for the resident

workforce and help to diversify over-specialized economies; and help maintain and expand underused

sports and recreation facilities in urban areas.

The revenue generated by tourism can help to: support and enhance local services and facilities such

as shops and pubs, particularly in rural areas; secure the retention or upgrading of public services such as

public transport, health centers and libraries; support a broader and more vibrant and active community

by attracting arts, sports or cultural events;aid diversification within the rural economy; and underpin the

quality of the local environment and facilitate further enjoyment of it by residents and visitors.

These benefits can be particularly valuable in rural areas as they may provide amenities that people

would otherwise not have access to. Tourism depends heavily on the natural and built environment and

can also be the key to maintaining and enhancing the environment:

The economic benefits of tourism in particular can help to sustain and improve both the natural and

built physical environment. Derelict land and buildings may be brought back into use and the

countryside can be better maintained. Visitors to historic buildings, archaeology and landscapes can

provide income or voluntary effort which help maintain and conserve such assets.

In rural areas the health of the environment and of the community depends on the viability of the

local economy. So areas which attract visitors for their scenic beauty and which enjoy income from

tourism will be better able to afford to sustain the local environment. Proposals involving high quality

design improve the visual and environmental experience for visitors and the local community alike.

1.1 Problem statement

Despite the robust growth and development being experienced in the tourism sector in the country there

is really nothing to write home about when you look at the value of tourism in western Kenya.Kisumu

being the principal city in particular.It is in regard to this that I decided to carry out this study of

“Unlocking The Potential of Kisumu City as a major tourism destination” I hope at the end of my

study to come up with what really is standing between Kisumu and big tourists numbers and from there I

will give what I see as the best recommendations to navigate through those bottlenecks.

5 | P a g e

Tourism is one aspect of the economy that can be created out of nothing unlike lets say industrialization

which require massive investments in various sectors,so to her achieve the objectives of this study I will

bring forth recommendations that will help incorporate all stakeholders in the interest of tourism in

Kisumu city, from Municipal council role in creating a favourable investment destination and the

ministry of tourism in its various roles form policy recommendations to funding.

1.2 Purpose of the study.

The purpose of the study is to find out how we can help unlock the potential of Kisumu City to make it a

premier tourist destination not just in Kenya but the world over.

In the study I will look at the areas of interest in terms of Tourism activities that are to be found in

Kisumu or the surrounding areas and analyse their level of utilization in terms of tourism activities. I

will also look at how different shareholders and stakeholders can be identified and brought on board to

facilitate the development of tourism as the main employer and earner in Kisumu city.

And in developing a comprehensive tourism framework for Kisumu City it should be one that is

sustainable having minimal effect on the environment and issue of wetland along the beaches of lake

victoria need to be kept in mind in terms of tourism development, as these places have a pull on

investors who want to put up beach hotels and villas there is need to protect the wetlands around this

places.

I will also advocate for involvement of the people in developing the tourism sector so that we can have

all the people on board and ensure that the citizens of Kisumu city are the ones who will achieve

maximum benefit.

1.3 Objectives

The main objective of this study is to identify the City‟s tourism resources ,their potentials and levels of

utilization and develop a comprehensive framework for their effective utilization for sustainable socio-

economic growth. The specific Objectives are as follows:

To analyse development issues, identify problems and potentials areas in the city which require

intervention by key stakeholders.

To find out the main tourist attraction sites in the city.

To find out how Kisumu City can be marketed as an investment and a tourist destination.

6 | P a g e

To develop a framework for drawing up Sectoral and site specific plans, programmes and projects

for implementation in the county.

1.3.1 Research Hypothesis

It‟s a process of drawing conclusion about population based on information contained in a sample

estimate.

Null Hypothesis: There is Not enough tourism potential and attraction sites in Kisumu judged by lack

of enough hotels.

Alternative Hypothesis: There is tourism potential and attraction sites in Kisumu

1.3.2 Research Questions

These are questions that attempt to respond to the research study; therefore the study focuses its

attention on the following questions;

1. What are the main development issues in Kisumu City?

2. What inhibits development and what are some potentials of growth?

3. How can Kisumu City be marketed as an investment and tourism destination?

4. How can a comperehensive tourism development plan for Kisumu city be made?

1.4 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is limited to Kisumu City in particular and the Western Tourism Circuit in

general as Kisumu City happens to be the gateway to the western tourism circuit most of attractions

may be in in places neighbouring Kisumu but I will have them in this study as they can be accessed

through Kisumu city which has various transport infrastructures such as the railway, an international

airport and also major roads providing connection with adjacent towns such as Kericho, Kakamega,

Homa-Bay, Kisii, Siaya, Busia, Kapsabet, Eldoret and the sugar belt satellite townships of Muhoroni,

Awasi, Chemelil, Miwani and Nandi Hills. Being on the convergence point of the Trans African

Highway, Kisumu is well connected with Uganda and Tanzania and by extension Rwanda, Burundi and

Congo DRC in the west, Zambia to the south and Sudan to the north. It‟s geographic position and its

cosmopolitan profile, places the city strategically as a competitive growth centre in the emergent age of

technological and economic development.

7 | P a g e

1.5 Study justification

Kisumu city is a city faced with various development challenges from poor infrastructure ,lack of

adequate water and sanitation facilities ,the poverty level is among the highest in the country, there is a

high rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence and also chronic unemployment most of the residents are employed

in the informal economy that is boda boda, Jua kali, water vending among others. With Tourism

development and promotion Kisumu can be given the much needed shot of life, Tourism will help in

achievements of many developmental goals from provinsion of employment,improvement of

infrastructure among others,tourism will also generate jobs both directly and indirectly in other

complimentary sectors of the economy as tourism is an activity capable of multiplier effect so its

development will also lead to the development of housing and construction industries among others.

To ensure that the potential of Kisumu City as a major tourism destination is realised there is need to

do a lot of things in regard to marketing of Kisumu city as not only a tourism destination but also an

investment destination. Kisumu has a lot of potential in regard to tourism that is from water

sports,boating clubs,sport fishing ,art galleries, lake side villas and cottages among many others.It is

through undertaking this study that I will come up with ways to appraisse and help promote tourism in

Kisumu city and the western tourism circuit in general.

Kisumu is among the United nations millenium city initiatives that aims to create more livable and

sustainable cities capable of providing good living conditions to the locals and visitors alike and it is

through economic activities like tourism that we can be able to meet this goals because tourism unlike

industrialization is not that capital intensive and can be done with community involvement.

Development and success of tourism in Kisumu city and the western tourism circuit in general will

work towards getting more people employed as the hotels and lodges that will be created will need

manpower to run and also local businesses will be promoted due to more money being injected to the

local economy through expenditure of the tourists.

8 | P a g e

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEWS

Tourism- is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization

defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more

than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other

purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited."

The demand for travel to cities has greatly increased over the last few decades. While many travel for

business or convention purposes, others are traveling on leisure time to learn about other cultures, to

develop their specific interests, and to seek entertainment. But what exactly are the specific elements of

the urban tourism product that determine the attractiveness of a city for visitors?

In his book Urban Tourism: The Visitor Economy and the Growth of Large Cities, Christopher Law

examines the relationship between tourism and urban areas. He distinguishes between primary,

secondary, and additional elements of a city‟s tourism resources. Primary elements provide the main

reasons why tourists visit cities.

Secondary elements such as accommodation and shopping as well as additional elements like

transportation or tourist information are also very important for the success of urban tourism, but are not

the main attractor of visitors.

The following are key elements that can enhance the visitor-friendliness in urban areas.

2.1.0 Historic Districts

Historic attributes of buildings, streetscapes, neighbourhoods, and special landmarks emphasize the local

character of an area. Historic districts are generally very pedestrian friendly with a mix of attractions and

amenities that are easily accessible. Beyond their educational component, they also generate a sense of

place and provide the urban visitor with memorable experiences. Thus, cities blessed with heritage as a

selling point are advantaged when looking to develop their tourism product.

2.1.1Waterfronts

Not matter if it is for transportation, industry, or entertainment, urban waters have always attracted

people out of necessity or pleasure. Lately, cities and private investors are paying increased attention to

waterfronts because they pose a variety of opportunities for tourism, economic, and community

development. San Antonio (TX) is probably one of the most classic examples in the US for successful

9 | P a g e

riverfront development. San Antonio‟s capitalized on the city‟s main attraction, the water, which creates

aesthetic and entertainment value while at the same time generating tourist dollars for the city.

2.1.2 Convention Centres and Exhibitions

Convention Centers and Exhibitions are often regarded as one of the staples of city tourism. In some

cities, up to forty percent of those staying overnight have come for this type of business tourism.

Convention Centers and Exhibitions are perceived to be strong growth sectors in which the visitor

spends an above average amount and which operate for most of the year. Employment, publicity, image

improvement, and urban regeneration are benefits that generally justify the big financial investment for

those centers. Besides these advantages, it is important to remember that the conference business cannot

be separated from the rest of the tourism industry particularly because most participants are also seeking

urban amenities in an exciting environment.

2.1.3 Festivals and Events

Festivals and Events have become an increasingly popular means for cities to boost tourism. They range

in size and scale from one time events like the World Exhibition or the Olympics to annual events like

Folk Music Festivals or Gallery Nights. Spectacles like that are important, however, their impact upon

10 | P a g e

the city‟s tourist industry depends on the attendance, and the type and number of outside visitors.

2.1.4 Special Visitor Districts

Special visitor districts are places where a combination of visitor attractions such as cultural,

amusements, or sports facilities are clustered in one location. These districts are not merely a strategy to

attract tourists and provide better amenities for local residents, but one that can be used to facilitate

urban renewal. Special visitor districts enable visitors to move easily from one attraction to another, and,

if this is known in advance, may encourage more visitors to come to the city due to a critical mass of

attractions). In many parts of the world, special visitor districts have been the anchor for regenerated

dockland zones. In Baltimore, for instance, the Inner Harbor was planned with three such attractions: an

aquarium, a science museum and a viewing platform at the top of the World Trade Center. According to

11 | P a g e

the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, the total number of out-of-town visitors was

almost 12 million. These guests spent an estimated $2.9 billion.

2.1.5 Tourism Employees and Residents as City Advocates

Friendliness is probably one of the most important sociocultural features of the tourism product.

Professionalism and excellence of service offered to visitors start with friendliness. Key factors in

visitor‟s decision to visit a place are friendly, hospitable people. That‟s what people remember and that‟s

what they come back for. Responsibility for the “Welcome”, however, does not rest solely with tourism

employees. Each and every person working and living in the city, who has contact with visitors, should

market themselves to the kind of visitors needed to bring more dollars to restaurants, hotels, museum

and other entertaining places. If urban tourism wants to continue to grow and prosper, everyone, from

the cab driver to the storeowner and the resident, should act as a tourism agent and provide their guests

with positive memorable experiences.

2.1.6 Retail and Catering Facilities

Although shopping and restaurants are regarded as a secondary element of tourism, it is still an

important part of the tourism economy since visitors spend a significant amount of time and money on

shopping and eating. Shopping, for instance, has for some visitors become a leisure activity where they

tour stores with no specific purpose in mind. For others, it is more like a sport where they go from store

to store and see if there are different goods on sale at the destination compared to home. Cities that add

retail stores or restaurants to their downtown or to special facilities like airports, train stations, or

casinos, experience positive economic impacts that not only apply to one location, but spill over and

trickle down to other areas of the city.

2.2 CASE STUDIES

2.2.1 NICE (FRANCE)

Nice is the fifth most populous city in France, after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse, with a

population of 348,721 within its administrative limits on a land area of 71.92 km2 (28 sq mi). The urban

area of Nice extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of more than 955,000 on an

area of 721 km2 (278 sq mi). Located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea, Nice

is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast.

The city is called Nice la Belle (Nissa La Bella in Niçard), which means Nice the Beautiful, which is

also the title of the unofficial anthem of Nice, written by Menica Rondelly in 1912. Nice is the capital of

12 | P a g e

the Alpes Maritimes département and the second biggest city of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region

after Marseille.

The area of today‟s Nice is believed to be among the oldest human settlements in Europe. One of the

archaeological sites, Terra Amata, displays evidence of a very early use of fire. Around 350 BC, Greeks

of Marseille founded a permanent settlement and called it Nikaia, after Nike, the goddess of victory.

Culturally and architecturally enriched over time, today Nice has become a truly cosmopolitan tourist

destination. The spectacular natural beauty of the Nice area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to

the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century, when an increasing

number of aristocratic families took to spending their winter there. The city‟s main seaside promenade,

the Promenade des Anglais („the Walkway of the English‟) owes its name to the earliest visitors to the

resort.For decades now, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of

relaxation, but also those seeking inspiration. The clear air and soft light has been of particular appeal to

some of Western culture‟s most outstanding painters, such as Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse. Their work

is commemorated in many of the city‟s museums, including Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse and

Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret. The climate and landscape are still what attracts most visitors

today. It has the second largest hotel capacity in the country and it‟s the second-most visited place in

France after Paris, receiving 4 million tourists every year.It also has the second busiest airport in France

after Paris and two convention centres dedicated to business tourism. The city also has a university,

several business districts and some major cultural facilities, such as museums, a national theatre, an

opera house with a regional library and several concert halls and casinos.

2.2.2 Metropolitan detroit

Tourism in metropolitan Detroit, Michigan is a significant factor for the region's culture and for its

economy, comprising nine percent of the area's two million jobs. About 15.9 million people visit Metro

Detroit annually, spending an estimated $4.8 billion. Detroit is one of the largest American cities and

metropolitan regions to offer casino resort hotels. Leading multi-day events throughout Metro Detroit

attract super-sized crowds of hundreds of thousands to over three million people. Detroit is at the center

of an emerging Great Lakes Megalopolis. An estimated 46 million people live within a 300-mile

(480 km) radius of Metro Detroit.

13 | P a g e

The metropolitan region's tourism industry depends on drawing large crowds with quality attractions and

entertainment in order to positively impact the local economy. As the world's traditional automotive

center, the city hosts the annual North American International Auto Show in January, a multi-day event.

Other major multi-day events that reflect the region's culture such as the Motown Winter Blast and the

Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, typically held the last week of June, can draw super-

sized-crowds of hundreds of thousands to over three million people. Metro Detroit is one of thirteen

U.S. cities with teams from four major sports.

Besides its casino resort hotels, the region's leading attraction is The Henry Ford, America's largest

indoor-outdoor museum complex, a museum entertainment complex with an IMAX theater next to the

Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn. The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has an Arctic Ring of Wildlife

exhibit with an underwater viewing tunnel that includes the largest polar bear exhibit in the U.S.

Together, The Henry Ford, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Zoo attract about 2,500,000 visitors

annually.

2.3 Physical location

Kisumu City is located in Kisumu county constitutes 2 constituencies (Kisumu Town East, Kisumu

Town West) Kisumu County borders Vihiga to the North, Nandi County to the North East, Kericho

County to the East, Nyamira to the South, Homa Bay to the South West and Siaya to the West. Kisumu

has a very well developed road transport connection with adjacent towns such as Kericho, Kakamega,

Homa-Bay, Kisii, Siaya, Busia, Kapsabet, Eldoret and the sugar belt satellite townships of Muhoroni,

Awasi, Chemelil, Miwani and Nandi Hills. Being on the convergence point of the Trans African

Highway, Kisumu is well connected with Uganda and Tanzania and by extension Rwanda, Burundi and

Congo DRC in the west, Zambia to the south and Sudan to the north. It‟s geographic position and its

cosmopolitan profile, places the city strategically as a competitive growth centre in the emergent age of

technological and economic development.

14 | P a g e

Fig 1.Kisumu County facts and figures

2.3.1 Topography

Kisumu City falls within 25 km south of the equator. The town has an altitude of approximately 1131m

above the sea level. The city is located in a relatively flat plain as you approach the winam gulf of Lake

Victoria.

15 | P a g e

Fig 2. Kisumu city map

2.3.2 Climate

Kisumu is warm to hot all year round(83°F),tropical climate with rainfall between the months of

march and june and in november and the rainfall varies between 258 to 860 (mm/month).

2.3.3 Soils

The soil in the area is typically reddish or brownish lateritic soils. They are thin, drain freely, have a

friable texture with layers of cellular ironstone and a high risk of contaminant migration into the shallow

aquifer. The main aquifer for the ground water is encountered at depth of 30-100m.

16 | P a g e

2.3.4 Administrative units

The municipality is divided into twenty five sub-locations namely Kondele, Nyalenda A and B, Kogony,

Kasule among others as shown in the map below.

.

Fig 3.Kisumu administrative units

17 | P a g e

2.4 Situational analysis of Kisumu city

2.4.1Administration

Kisumu has a large mandate but it lacks the capacity to meet the demands of its residents and the

private sector. This is due to highly centralised decision making, inefficiency in revenue collection and

low human resource capacities. he Municipal Council of Kisumu (MCK) has 11 departments with 1,400

staff. The staffing is bottom-heavy, with numerous unskilled staff in the lower tiers and weak capacity in

middle management, limiting the council‟s ability to implement programmed activities. Capacity

building and staff development have traditionally been given a low priority and there is no training

policy. Administrative performance is further compromised because of low staff morale due to

recurring salary arrears.

At times excessive interference from self-interested councillors unduly affects the city administration,

and town clerks in particular have fallen victim to political interference, leading to high turnover and

slow implementation of programmed activities. During the 2004-2005 financial year, the expenditure

estimates were as follows: 57% wage bill, 30% operations and maintenance, 6% debt resolution and 6%

Local Authority Service Delivery Action Plan (LASDAP) projects. The MCK could improve its

administration by decentralising, strengthening the financial and revenue mobilisation capacity,

enhancing service delivery, and facilitating collaboration and coordination among different urban

stakeholders.

2.4.2 Urban planning

The Physical Planning Act of 1996 places planning responsibilities on local authorities and the MCK

faces real challenges. he city has undergone several changes, such as the extension of the city boundaries

to include a land area that is predominantly rural. Increasing pressure from the rising informal sector

poses a further challenge, as does the exclusion of slum dwellers from planning processes (which are not

participatory, although some changes are beginning to emerge). The land ownership structures in slums

complicate planning interventions, as they are mainly freehold structures rather than leasehold. he MCK

18 | P a g e

has only recently established a planning department with a system for data collection and analysis based

on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The department has been computerised, but it lacks the

financial and qualified human resources for participatory planning procedures that cater for the entire

city rather than just the wealthier neighbourhoods.

2.4.3 The economic situation

The informal sector and urban agriculture are important players in Kisumu‟s economic landscape, but

economic development of the city is still controlled by the central government and there are few trickle-

down effects. Further, Kisumu has not been spared from the effects of various national trends: a

stagnating economy, soaring unemployment and increased poverty. The city‟s industrial base is

performing badly and many industries have closed down, while the official unemployment rate is 30%.

The MCK collects only about 50% of its revenue potential despite a wide tax base. he main sources of

revenue are property taxes, land rents, business licences and the Local Authorities Transfer Fund

(LATF). Corruption and lack of computerisation constrain revenue collection and must be addressed in a

holistic way. There is also a need to improve the image of the city in order to attract investment.

2.4.4 Informal and private sectors

In Kisumu, 52% of the working population is engaged in informal sector activities, eking out an

existence with monthly wages ranging from US$ 40-50. The majority are engaged in transport, petty

sales, repairs, carpentry, metalwork and other small-scale businesses. In addition, 50% of population is

involved in urban agriculture and livestock keeping, which dominate the peri-urban landscape. The

private sector has been in decline as many industries have downscaled or even closed down. New

strategies are needed to revive these industries. Kisumu has many advantages for private sector

development, such as good road, air and water linkages, and untapped resource potential. There is a need

for broad-based partnerships; some have already emerged and proven successful. Both the informal and

the private sector need to be coordinated and regulated in an innovative and participatory way to benefit

all the communities in Kisumu.

2.4.5 Urban poverty

19 | P a g e

Urban poverty is prevalent in Kisumu as 60% of residents live in slums characterised by lack of

planning, high densities (150 housing units/hectare), poor infrastructure and a shortage of basic services

such as water, sanitation and electricity.

Many slum dwellers experience acute security and health problems and depend on the informal sector

for survival. They also lack access to health services, transport and communication. Nearly half of

Kisumu‟s total population live in absolute poverty, which is much higher than the national average of

29%. he city also experiences exceptionally high food poverty (53%) – one of the highest rates in the

country despite urban agriculture being widespread. These are perturbing developments, and equitable

and efficient urban governance, including pro-poor policies and broad-based partnerships, are needed to

address Kisumu‟s poverty.

2.4.6 Urban infrastructure and basic services

There are great disparities in the distribution of urban infra-structure and basic services between slums

and higher income areas. While the latter are well served, most slums remain largely unserviced. The

poor are forced to rely on the private and informal sectors to provide them with housing, water and

electricity. The road network is also extremely deficient, excluding many slums from easy access to the

city centre and other strategic areas. In addition, health care and education are becoming increasingly

privatised, and hence unaffordable for the poor. Since the council is unable to meet the demands on its

own, it needs to become a facilitator with an enabling role that harnesses the full potential of different

stakeholders by creating favourable structures for partnerships and participation.

2.4.7 Sanitation

Sanitation is not well organised in Kisumu – the refuse collection efficiency is a mere 20%. Wealthier

neighbourhoods have their refuse collected whereas slums are largely neglected. Kisumu also has only

10% sewerage coverage. The majority of slum dwellers are forced to rely on pit latrines that are

overused and not adequately maintained. The MCK struggles with a lack of refuse collection facilities

and low operational efficiency. Many dumpsites are next to residential houses, causing health problems

and intolerable living conditions. Plastic waste is a particular nuisance as it causes livestock deaths and

blocks storm water drains. Between 60-65% of the total amount of waste collected in Kisumu is organic,

20 | P a g e

which presents enormous potential for recycling. Many positive small-scale reuse and recycling

initiatives are taking place and these should be further encouraged. There is a need for an environmental

awareness campaign educating the residents to take more responsibility for their own waste, as well as

to develop broad-based partnerships for waste management.

2.4.8 Public transport

Matatus are the main form of motorised public transport and bicycle taxis, commonly known as boda

boda, are the most common form of non-motorised transport. Boda bodas are a significant income earner

for poor youth, but no bicycle tracks or parking bays exist; safety is a major issue since the bicycles

cause most traffic accidents in the city. However, boda bodas offer a cheap and environmentally friendly

mode of transport that poorer groups can afford and they consequently need to be urgently incorporated

into the city‟s transport system. The matatus and taxis are viewed as quite disorderly and are perceived

to have little regard for traffic and safety regulations. Buses mainly serve as an inter-city mode of

transport. There is a need to institutionalise an urban transport planning and management framework

within the MCK, as well as improve safety on Kisumu‟s roads and develop effective responses to the

mobility needs of all transport users.

2.4.9 Sources of energy

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company provides electricity throughout Kenya. Most slum dwellings

are without electricity and occupants use paraffin lamps, tin lamps, batteries and candles for lighting,

and kerosene or charcoal for cooking. These fuels negatively impact the environment and human health,

causing air pollution and respiratory diseases. There is a need to look for alternative energy sources and

ensure more equitable energy provision.

2.4.10 Health

The most common diseases in Kisumu are HIV/AIDS, malaria, upper respiratory tract infections,

water-borne illnesses and diarrhoea. HIV/AIDS is the largest threat and is generally attributed to rising

levels of poverty and lack of access to health facilities. A comparatively high cost of medical care and

insufficient drugs exacerbate the existing health conditions. The city has a provincial general hospital

21 | P a g e

and branches of leading private hospitals such as the Aga Khan. However, while middle- and high-

income groups rely on private clinics, the poorer groups are forced to make do with substandard health

facilities. More health clinics, even mobile clinics, are needed in order to ensure better access, to

improve awareness of common diseases (and how to prevent and treat them), and especially to combat

the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

2.4.11 Education

Kisumu has an adult literacy rate of 48%, which is low compared to the national average of 85%.

Only 25% of the urban poor have attained secondary education. Kisumu has 140 primary schools but

only 23secondary schools. In addition, there are two universities, the distance-learning colleges of

Kenyatta and Nairobi Universities, a labour college and several private colleges. The existing

educational facilities are inadequate for the increasing population, and there are great inequalities in

teaching standards and services between government-run and private schools. The schools also suffer

from gender disparities since girls are less likely to complete primary and secondary school. There is a

need to upgrade the existing educational facilities and improve accessibility for the poor by establishing

more government-run primary and secondary schools. There is also a need to address the gender

disparities.

2.4.12 Governance

Governance in Kisumu is facing a number of challenges as the city attempts to recover from years of

neglect (due to its status as an opposition stronghold), address corruption and political interference, and

respond to reforms within the Kenyan local authority framework. The Municipal Council of Kisumu

(MCK) also has to address its poor revenue collection, high rates of poverty and the exclusion of slum

communities in urban decision making. Additionally, it has to manage the newly emerging partnerships

and the increasing donor interest in an efficient and meaningful way. The MCK is ill-equipped to

respond to these challenges in a holistic manner as it lacks the financial and human resource capacities.

The council has poor performance in revenue collection and its financial problems are compounded by

highly centralised decision making. The Ministry of Local Government supervises the MCK, influencing

its spending priorities and policies, and disregarding efforts towards decentralisation. On the human

resource side, the MCK has weak capacity in middle management and lacks technically qualified staff.

22 | P a g e

There is no training policy for the council staff or systematic measuring of performance. Further,

political influences still have adverse impacts – the elected council and its executive have caused a high

turnover of town clerks, and this has a destabilising influence. The council is not able to involve all its

diverse citizenry in the city‟s affairs, although positive developments are taking place. There are civil

society organisations that operate in Kisumu but they require coordination to maximise their potential.

The council has several advantages that will assist it in its mission towards improved governance. These

include newly emerging partnerships and a common vision known as the City Development Strategy

(CDS), developed with leadership from civil society and participants from the public and private sectors.

23 | P a g e

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.0.1Introduction

This section describes the procedure that was followed in conducting the study. As noted by Mugenda

and Mugenda (1999), the steps involved in conducting a research study should be clearly outlined to

help other researchers in understanding one`s study. This section presents the nature and sources of data,

preparation for actual data collection, sampling design, field methods of data collection, data analysis

and presentation techniques

3.0.2 Subjects of the study

This will show all the involved stakeholders who will entirely be involved in the successful

completion of this study and they include the following:

Ministry of Tourism

Kenivest

Nema

Municipal Council of Kisumu

KWS

Community Based Organisations (CBO‟s)

Residents and Visitors to Kisumu(Households)

3.1 Nature and sources of Data

In the survey, both primary and secondary sources and methods of data collection were used. The data

collection involved both qualitative and quantitative techniques.

3.1.1 Secondary Data

Secondary data was obtained through Literature review of the existing work by various scholars and

also case studies of various projects that have been carried out in other places in the world that are

similar to our area of study area ,we also used the internet to get some more information about the study

area.

3.1.2 Primary data

Primary data was collected directly from the field using the following techniques

24 | P a g e

i) questionnaires

Questionnaires were administered to the respondents and were answered in written forms I had

questionnaires administered to the different stakeholders that‟s is the subjects mentioned above.

ii) Oral interviews

Part of the data was collected through questioning of the respondents, either individually or in groups

example in interviewing of key informants, answers were then written down.

iii) Observation

This involved physically observing phenomenon as we were at the field it involved watching and

recording of behavior and characteristics of subjects, objects or phenomenon that was relevant to the

study.

iv) Time schedules

This involved a schedule that had the breakdown of what I was to do on different days during the

study it was meant to ensure there existed order as I carried out the study and no time is wasted.

v) Key informants

Relevant questions and cases were presented to key informants around Kisumu City this included

Ministry of tourism,KenInvest ,KWS ,Community Based Organisations (CBO‟s)

vi) Photographs, and explanatory site visits to the attraction sites.

vii) Sampling Techniques.

The study used stratified sampling whereby each constituency in Kisumu had a specified number of

questionnaires to be administered. Within these constituencies, simple random sampling and convenient

sampling method were used.

3.2 Methods of data analysis and presentation

The data collected was analysed qualitatively through the use of SPSS (Statistics package of Social

Sciences) this was by means, averages and percentages. The presentation of the data will be done by the

use of the following methods.

a) Tabular format

Here, the data is displayed in tables. This will help provide the summary of the tables in figures. It

will also provide the reader with sufficient interpretation.

25 | P a g e

b) Graphic presentation

This will bring about more understanding and interpretation of the data which will be presented

graphically by use of pie charts, bar graphs and also maps.

c) Pictures

To demonstrate the reality on the ground, different scenarios of features on the ground will be

captured and presented by use of pictures.

d) Descriptive

Some survey results will be presented in a descriptive or a narrative manner. The method will also

enable the interpretation of the information in tables and graphs.

e) Report

The analysed information will be compiled and presented through typed and printed report. This will

also contain the entire study including the final proposals that we will forward

3.3 STUDY AREA: KISUMU CITY

Kisumu is a port city in western Kenya at 1,131 m (3,711 ft.), lying between latitudes 0 ° 6` 0``S and

longitude 34° 45`0`` E with a total landmass of 919 km2

and a population of 388,311 (2009 census). It

is the third largest city in Kenya, the principal city of western Kenya, the immediate former capital of

Nyanza Province and the headquarters of Kisumu County. It has a municipal charter but no city charter.

It is the largest city in Nyanza region and second most important city after Kampala in the greater Lake

Victoria basin. The port was founded in 1901 as the main inland terminal of the Uganda Railway and

named Port Florence. Although trade stagnated in the 1980s and 1990s, it is again growing around oil

exports.

Kisumu literally means a place of barter trade "sumo"

26 | P a g e

Fig 4.Kisumu city in google earth.

History

Kisumu was identified by the British explorers in early 1898 as an alternative railway terminus and port

for the Uganda railway, then under construction. It was to replace Port Victoria, then an important centre

on the caravan trade route, near the delta of River Nzoia. Kisumu was ideally located on the shores of

Lake Victoria at the cusp of the Winam Gulf, at the end of the caravan trail from Pemba, Mombasa,

Malindi and had the potential for connection to the whole of the Lake region by steamers. In July 1899,

the first skeleton plan for Kisumu was prepared. This included landing places and wharves along the

northern lake shore, near the present day Airport Road. Demarcations for Government buildings and

retail shops were also included in the plan.

Another plan was later prepared in May, 1900, when plots were allocated to a few European firms as

well as to Indian traders who had travelled to Kisumu on contracts to build the Uganda Railway and had

decided to settle at the expanding terminus. The plan included a flying boat jetty (now used by the

Fisheries Department). In October 1900, the 62-ton ship Sir William Mackinnon,1st Baronet, built and

27 | P a g e

registered in Kisumu, made its maiden voyage to Entebbe , marking the beginning of the Lake Marine

Services. The Winfred and the Sybil were later added to the fleet in 1902 and 1904, respectively. On

Friday, December 20, 1901, the railway line reached the Kisumu pier, with the centre adopting a new

name, Port Florence.

By February, the railway line had been opened for goods and passenger transportation. Kisumu was also

privileged to host the first flight in East and Central Africa; the current police workshop was the first

hangar in Kenya and entire East Africa. Before the jet airline era, the city was a landing point on the

British flying boat passenger and mail route from Southampton to Cape Town. Kisumu also linked Port

Bell to Nairobi.

In 1903, the township boundaries were gazetted and some 12,000 acres, including water, set aside for its

development. The new township reverted to its original name, Kisumu, in substitution of Port Florence.

At this time, there was an „Old Kisumu', that consisted of two rows of Stalls (Dukas) on Mumias Road,

north of the Gulf. It was later demolished in the twenties when new plots became available on Odera and

Ogada Streets in the present day Kisumu, hence the new area acquired the name „New Bazaar'.

By the 1930's and 40's, the city had become a leading East African centre for Commerce, Administrative

and Military installations. In the 1960‟s the population of Asians in relation to Locals was significantly

higher. The town was elevated to the status of a Municipal Board in 1940 and later to a Municipal

Council in 1960. In the early sixties, very little development took place in Kisumu, with an acute

shortage realized in dwelling houses, shops and offices. The situation was later made worse by the influx

of locals into the town following the declaration of independence in 1963

The city‟s growth and prosperity slowed down temporarily in 1977, as a result of the collapse of the East

African Community. However, the city spurred with the reformation of the community in 1996 and with

its designation as a "city." The port has been stimulated by the transformation of international business

and trade, as well as the shipments of goods destined for Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda and

Democratic Republic of Congo.

28 | P a g e

Currently, Kisumu is one of the fastest growing cities in Kenya. It is thriving with rich sugar and rice

irrigation industries, whose contribution to the National economy is immense due to its natural resources

and as the epicentre for business in East Africa

Fig 5.Map of Kisumu city within Kisumu county

29 | P a g e

4.0 REFERENCES

1. Mugenda and Mugenda (1999).Research Questions.

2. Law, Christopher. 2002. Urban Tourism: The Visitor Economy and the Growth of Large Cities.

London: Continuum.

3. Sustainable Coastal tourism: An integrated planning and management approach. UNEP manual on

sustainable Tourism.

4. MCK - Kisumu City Development Strategy, 2004

30 | P a g e

5.0 APPENDICE

Interview schedule

Ministry of Tourism

1. What is it that you do as a ministry?

2. What are the major Tourist attractions in Kisumu City?

3. What do you do as a ministry to promote and market these sites?

4. How can community and people of the county be involved with development of Tourism?

5. What are the unexploited Tourism attraction activities/sites?

6. What measures have you taken to develop tourism in western Kenya particularly Kisumu county

7. What is the available bed space of Kisumu city and what is the current demand for hotel

accommodation and tourist‟s arrival?

8. What is the future prospect of tourism in Kisumu City?

Ken Invest

1. What is it that you do as an organization?

2. Who are your target market/clients?

3. What are some of your achievements as an organization in this region?

4. Which are the main areas of investment particularly in the tourism sector in this city?

Municipal Council

1. What do you do as an organization?

2. Do you incorporate planning for tourism in your development plans?

3. What are the main tourist attraction sites in your area of jurisdiction?

4. Do you do any marketing of Kisumu as an investment destination especially in the hotel industry

sector?

5. If YES how do you market it?

6. Kisumu being a lake port with a big mass of water, what are some of the public beaches available?

7. How suitable are these beaches for public use (infrastructure ,security ,health)

8. What is the future prospect of Tourism in Kisumu City but the city proper in particular?

Ministry of Environment/Nema

1. What is it that you do as a ministry/organization?

31 | P a g e

2. What are the environmental sensitive sites in the county requiring protection?

3. Challenges facing protection of these sites?

4. Impacts of Tourism activities on the environment in Kisumu city?

5. Mitigation measures to address environmental decay?

Household Interview Questionnaire

1. (a) How many tourist sites and facilities do you know?

(b) Name a few.

(c) How many times have you visited these sites?

(d)How affordable are they?

1. Cheap

2. Expensive

3. Very expensive

(e)Are these sites accessible to anyone?

1. Yes

2. No

(f)If No what is the reason?

2. Do you benefit directly from tourists and tourism?

a)Yes

b).No

3. If yes, explain how?

4. How does tourism affect you?

5. What do you think needs to be done to promote tourism in Kisumu?

6. Has tourism affected your culture in any way?

a) Yes

b) No

7. If Yes explain how

8. What are some of the effects of Tourism to the environment?