Institutional Frameworks for Homestaysin Kenya: From Exclusion to Inclusion

Abstract

Homestay accommodation presents an opportunity for the host families, as well as local population at large, to participate in tourism and derive direct livelihoods whilefor the government: it presents a platform to equitably distribute tourism benefits (Ki-maiga, Kihima & Pepela, 2015). It also provides one of the avenues for integrating host population into the tourism industry (Kihima, 2015). Ideally, homestays provide ac-commodation and other cultural experiences for visitors during their stay. Homestay accommodation are generally owned and/or managed by host families, and generate wider community benefits including employment opportunities, additional revenuesto families, appreciation and preservation of culture and heritage and inclusivity in the tourism agenda in destination areas (Kimaiga, 2015).