VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND PERFORMANCE OF TOURISM IN KENYA’S COASTAL REGION

Abstract

This study examined the violent extremism in the coast region and the effects on tourism performance in Kenya. The three specific objectives were the effects of violence extremism on infrastructure destruction, effects of violence extremism on loss of human resource and effects of violence extremism on economic growth disruption on tourism performance in the coastal region. The theories were instrumental theory of terrorism, the rational choice theory and game theory. The population of study comprised of stakeholders in the tourism sector in the coastal region. The sampling method used was quota sampling utilizing simple random sampling. Validity was ascertained by conducting a pilot study. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires from a sample of 110 respondents selected hotel owners or managers and employees working in the selected hotels and the response rate was 101. The quantitative data was analyzed through SPSS version 22. It was established that violence extremism had affected coastal community ways such as keeping grudges, fighting and high level of human loss had led to trauma and hesitance. It had led to loss of human capital through general loss of life and high health complications for workers. There were issues of physical disabilities of human. The physical infrastructures had been destroyed too. Some had been burnt down, damaged or even blown off completely. Violence had also led to economic growth disruptions spoilage of powers systems and various destruction of water supply systems and sewerages.  Roads and transport systems had been destroyed too not leaving school and police stations and shopping centers being bombed, rooted or destroyed. Violence extremism had deteriorated growth of the businesses in the area since some businesses closed down while others were destroyed to a level of not operating in full capacity.  There was low productivity among the employees. Many times, due to tourists there was low transportation within the region. Demand and supply of services and items had gone down. It was noticeable that tourist in the country had reduced. Violence had led to poor profitability in businesses and it was linked to demotivation of employee at low extent. Significant influence existed between violence extremism and tourism performance in coastal region and economic growth disruption. The findings from this study would be useful by tourism practitioners, the government, especially ministry of tourism, and the academia community. It was crucial for the county and also ministry of tourism to review on the violence precautions measures that had been put in place and their level of effectiveness. Such measures should be constantly updated to curb any emerging schemes of violence. New strategies should be development on strict measures to adhere to security checks should be enforced. Then county can provide subsidies on the reconstructions of such premises. Where possible for cases of public like schools, Market or police station the county officials can seek funding or donations to help restore them. While, the businesses are affected leading to declined economic growth can be offered boosters like donor funding to help bring them to existence. Also, there should be violence supportive clauses on the insurance policies held against violence.