| Tourism in East Africa remains underutilized, yet tourism provides a means for Kenya and its neighboring countries to achieve economic recovery and modernization. There is, however, a lack of a theoretical base to guide the development of associated programs. The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to formulate an understanding of how the tourism industries in the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda can be more efficacious. Archival resources, documents, related statistics, and personal experiences demonstrate the profound effect tourism has had on these countries and what further steps are needed to ensure continued growth. Data analysis was conducted using open, axial, and selective coding. Based on open coding, the following categories supporting tourism were identified: maintain political stability, eliminate corruption, and preserve natural resources. Based on axial coding, relationship building among the three nations emerged as the central category to which all other categories could be integrated. Factors that inhibit tourism were also explored, including political unrest and corruption within the government. The study revealed the region shares a common social and cultural heritage and a common language, having been governed by the British as colonies and protectorates from 1800 to 1963. This provides a positive environment to foster the continued growth of tourism. It is recommended that the positive aspects of tourism be tied to the East African Community Charter signed in November 2002, which commits the countries to regional cooperation. From a positive social perspective, the opportunity for increased revenue resulting from further growth of tourism could be used to improve the socioeconomic systems of the countries. |
