Human Activities and Sustainability of Tourist Sites

Tourism in the east African countries, specifically in Kenya is the 2nd largest source of foreign exchange following agriculture. The main tourist attractions are Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro climbing and viewing, national parks and game reserves, sceneries like the Great Rift Valley, not to forget the beaches along the Indian Ocean and other places within the region. These sites that attract the tourist are losing the features that make them un resistible to visit. The study sought to determine the effect of human activities on the sustainability of tourist sites in Kenya .It is a case study of central Kenya comprising of Mt. Kenya West forest reserves, National Parks and any other sites within the region. A sample of 156 respondents was selected from foresters, County administration, community leaders and tour guides using Stratified random sampling method .Research instruments were; questionnaires, face to face discussion and observation done by walking across the ranges inside Narumoru , Kahurura ,and Gathiuru forest and mostly the two routes used by tourist up Mt Kenya mountain. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
The study found out that there was a negative impact on the Mt. Kenya West game reserves and national parks due to illegal poaching and logging, charcoal burning, clearing the forest for farming and settlement. There is the dumping of litter on the route to the mountain. This study recommended there be teamwork between all the beneficiaries of this trade; neighboring communities, government, hotels owner and even the guides in conserving the environment, wildlife and ecosystem. Laws and regulations to check the use of plastic containers papers should be introduced with harsh penalties for the defaulters. Neighboring communities should be considered in the revenue collected from tourism.