Prospects for Urban Eco-Tourism in Nairobi, Kenya: Experiences from the Karura Forest Reserve

Abstract

Despite the positive impact of urban tourism and eco-tourism on the city’s economy, as well as the well-being of its citizenry, less attention has been given to it in developing countries. This paper argues that Nairobi city is well endowed with a wide range of natural ecological and bio-physical heritage and green spaces that can be tapped to develop and promote urban eco-tourism. Based on a case study of Karura Forest Reserve in Nairobi, Kenya, this paper examines the prospects of developing and promoting urban eco-tourism in Nairobi. In addition, the paper highlights the role of stakeholder participation and public-private partnerships in the promotion of urban eco-tourism, including revitalizing public urban spaces for leisure and recreation. However, despite improving the opportunities for eco-tourism in the forest, the urban-based elite community forest association and the responsible government department have socially produced the forest, each to suit their own interests. Thus, the seemingly successful partnership has created a semi-privatisation process, which has not encouraged the access and utilisation of the forest reserve for the majority of the low income and urban poor citizens.

Keywords: Urban Eco-Tourism, Karura Forest Reserve, Kenya