Assessment of Status, Challenges and Viability of Slum Tourism: Case Study of Kibera Slum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

The status of slum tourism was carried out in Kibera slum in Nairobi. The study applied structured and semi- structured questionnaires which were administered to the target population from six villages randomly selected in Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya. The Snowball sampling method was used to select respondents in these villages. Observing residents’ life style and taking photographs were identified as major tourist activities in Kibera slum while improvement of security and involvement of residents in tourism activities were identified as key ways for promoting slum tourism. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Poor understanding of slum tourism concept and lack of involvement of residents was identified as the major challenge while lack of policy was the other challenge. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Poor understanding of slum tourism concept and lack of involvement of residents was the major challenge while lack of policy was the other challenge. It was identified that there was need for the Government to develop a comprehensive slum tourism policy which would guide on ways of conducting slum tours so that it can benefit both the government and the Resident communities in these slums. The Ministry of Tourism needs to sensitize the slum residents on how they can take advantage of their living conditions to establish Community Based tourism businesses

Key words: Slum, Tourism, Status, Challenges, Benefits