A REVIEW OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY FRAMEWORKS SUPPORT FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA.

Abstract

Ecotourism is responsible travelling to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving community well-being. It relies on quality public transport systems and infrastructure for connectivity and mobility. Kenya's Vision 2030 socio-economic development blueprint has influenced transport infrastructure improvements in the previous two decades. Like many other counties, Kisumu County has developed plans to harness its potential through commerce, tourism, and infrastructure. Kenya has adopted legal, policy, and administrative frameworks governing this development, some of which mirror sector legislation at county, national, and international levels. A study conducted between January 2020 and June 2021 examined the integration of public transportation infrastructure planning into ecotourism development in Kisumu County. The research aimed to investigate how existing policy frameworks on public transport supported ecotourism development, highlighting the lack of sufficient scientific data linking public transport infrastructure development support for ecotourism as an impediment to sustainable development outcomes in Kenya. A qualitative research design was employed, with data obtained through purposive key informant interviews drawn from the private sector, civil society, development agencies, and both tiers of government with responses analysed thematically. A desk review of relevant documents was conducted. It identified legal instruments which were subjected to a SWOT analysis. The study highlighted the importance of policy, legal, and institutional arrangements in development. It found that existing public transport frameworks cover public health, safety, natural resource management, public engagement, rights, environmental quality, and physical planning which are necessary for ecotourism development. It noted that these provisions are scattered across various sectors, posing challenges to effective administration. The study concludes that while there are no direct provisions for ecotourism development in the country, significant public transport instruments also support its development. To achieve sustained development across sectors, an aggregated approach is needed for effective collaboration and coordination among relevant entities.