Socio-cultural conservation strategies and sustainable tourism development in communal group ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya

https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i1.3147
Published: Sep 17, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of socio-cultural conservation strategies on sustainable tourism development in communal group ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya. This study examines how social inclusion, cultural preservation, local entrepreneurship, and product diversification contribute to sustainable tourism outcomes.

Methods: An embedded mixed-method design was applied, combining surveys of 392 respondents—including ranch members, leaders, and tourists—with qualitative interviews. Quantitative analysis used SPSS (v.22) for descriptive statistics, regression, and ANOVA, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results: The findings show that socio-cultural strategies collectively have a significant effect on sustainable tourism (R = 0.345, R² = 0.119, F = 8.771, p < 0.001). Social inclusion of minority groups was the only significant predictor (? = 0.239, p = 0.001). Cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and product diversification have positive but insignificant effects, which are likely constrained by governance, infrastructure, and financial barriers. Qualitative evidence confirmed community pride in cultural events and crafts but also revealed limited benefit distribution and weak inclusion of marginalized groups.

Conclusion: Socio-cultural conservation strategies positively influence sustainable tourism, but with modest explanatory power. Effective governance, stronger policy frameworks, and targeted financial support are required to enhance the role of women in agriculture.

Limitations: The findings are specific to Laikipia County and may not be generalizable. Self-reported data may also introduce biases.

Contribution: This study provides empirical evidence of conservation-tourism linkages in Africa, highlighting the central role of social inclusion. It offers practical insights for policymakers, conservationists, and development actors seeking to align cultural heritage with sustainable tourism and SDGs.

Keywords:
1. Communal Group Ranches
2. Socio-Cultural Conservation Strategy
3. Sustainable Tourism Development
4. Tourism Development
Authors:
1 . Cosmas Nzomo
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
2 . Kipkosgei Bitok
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
3 . Sisinio Muthengi
Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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How to Cite
Nzomo, C., Bitok, K., & Muthengi, S. (2025). Socio-cultural conservation strategies and sustainable tourism development in communal group ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya. Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 7(1), 125–142. https://doi.org/10.35912/joste.v7i1.3147
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Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): September
Articles
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Author Biographies

Cosmas Nzomo, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

PHD Candidate, School of Business, Economics and Tourism

Kenyatta University,

P.O BOX 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

cosmasnzomo@gmail.com

Phone number; +254728466136

Kipkosgei Bitok, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Lecturer,

School of Business, Economics and Tourism

Kenyatta University.

P.O BOX 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

bitok.kipkosgei@ku.ac.ke

Phone Number; +254725820202

Sisinio Muthengi, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Lecturer,

School of Business, Economics and Tourism

Kenyatta University, Kenya

P.O BOX 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya

sysynyo@gmail.com

Phone Number: + 254721766630

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  2. Beatrice, W. K. (2023). Fostering Market Penetration Strategies For Sustainable Conservation Of Heritage Sites In Nyeri County, Kenya. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 6(3), 85-99. doi:https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t4183
  3. Bergelson, I., Tracy, C., & Takacs, E. (2022). Best Practices For Reducing Bias In The Interview Process. Current urology reports, 23(11), 319-325. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-022-01116-7
  4. Berndt, A. E. (2020). Sampling methods. Journal of human lactation, 36(2), 224-226. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334420906850
  5. Brooks, C., Waterton, E., Saul, H., & Renzaho, A. (2023). Exploring the relationships between heritage tourism, sustainable community development and host communities’ health and wellbeing: A systematic review. PloS one, 18(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282319
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  13. Esichaikul, R., & Chansawang, R. (2022). Community Participation In Heritage Tourism Management Of Sukhothai Historical Park. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 8(4), 897-911. doi:https://doi.org/10.1108/ijtc-03-2021-0035
  14. Gocer, O., Boyacioglu, D., Karahan, E. E., & Shrestha, P. (2024). Cultural tourism and rural community resilience: A framework and its application. Journal of Rural Studies, 107, 103238. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103238
  15. Heritage, N. (2014). United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. In T. Herawaty (Ed.): UNESCO.
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  17. Jackson, E. T. (1997). Participatory Impact Assessment For Poverty Alleviation: Opportunities For Communities And Development Agencies. Knowledge and Policy, 10(1), 6-23. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02912483
  18. Maneejuk, P., Yamaka, W., & Srichaikul, W. (2022). Tourism development and economic growth in southeast Asian countries under the presence of structural break: panel kink with GME estimator. Mathematics, 10(5), 723. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/math10050723
  19. Manyara, G., & Jones, E. (2007). Community-Based Tourism Enterprises Development In Kenya: An Exploration Of Their Potential As Avenues Of Poverty Reduction. Journal of sustainable tourism, 15(6), 628-644. doi:https://doi.org/10.2167/jost723.0
  20. Mensah, E. A., Agyeiwaah, E., & Otoo, F. E. (2021). Re-Conceptualizing Volunteer Tourism Organizations Roles: A Host Perspective. Tourism Management Perspectives, 37, 100785. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2020.100785
  21. Mithen, S., Rabbani, M. A., & Rabbani, M. (2025). Cultural Heritage, Community Engagement And Sustainable Tourism.
  22. Mwangi, F., Zhang, Q., & Wang, H. (2022). Development Challenges And Management Strategies On The Kenyan National Park System: A Case Of Nairobi National Park. International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks, 10(1), 16-26. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgeop.2022.02.003
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  24. Ogutu, J. O., Kuloba, B., Piepho, H.-P., & Kanga, E. (2017). Wildlife Population Dynamics In Human-Dominated Landscapes Under Community-Based Conservation: The Example Of Nakuru Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya. PloS one, 12(1), e0169730. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169730
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