INFLUENCE OF DEVOLVED GOVERNANCE ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE LAKE REGION ECONOMIC BLOC, KENYA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of devolved governance on sustainable tourism development in the Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), Kenya. The problem addressed was the limited empirical evidence on how institutional frameworks, budget allocation, local representation, and inter-county collaboration collectively relate to sustainable tourism development in Kisumu, Kakamega, and Trans Nzoia counties. The study aimed to assess the influence of these governance dimensions on sustainable tourism development. It is significant to county governments, tourism stakeholders, local communities, and policymakers by providing insights to inform tourism planning, resource allocation, public participation, and regional cooperation. The study was guided by Institutional Theory and supported by Stakeholder Theory. Its scope covered the three selected counties and the four governance dimensions, although the geographical focus and potential respondent bias may limit the generalisability of the findings. A quantitative approach and descriptive cross-sectional survey design were adopted. The target population comprised 230 tourism stakeholders, from whom a sample of 94 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Stratified, purposive, and simple random sampling techniques were applied. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression in SPSS version 29. Findings from 84 respondents indicated positive perceptions of institutional frameworks and local representation, while budget allocation and inter-county collaboration received moderate assessments. Institutional frameworks, budget allocation, and inter-county collaboration were significant predictors in the illustrative regression results, whereas local representation was not statistically significant. The study recommends strengthening institutional accountability, improving tourism financing, institutionalising public participation, and enhancing inter-county cooperation to promote sustainable tourism development.