The Role of Homestay Operators’ Knowledge and Skills in Enhancing their Business

Homestay Tourist Accommodation as a Tool for Socio-Economic Well-Being of Rural Communities in Kenya

“…This finding shows that most homestay operators earned an approximate amount of Kshs 4,999 per month from the programme. Previous research found that these meager earnings could be directly related to the homestay operators' level of education and their knowledge and skills to run the programme (Kimaiga et al, 2015). Second, socio-economic tenets were put on a Likert scale and homestay operators were asked to rate on a scale of 1-5 the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with the statements.…”

“…Ideally, the homestay concept was recognized not only as a way of enhancing community participation in tourism but also as a platform of enabling the local people to derive direct benefits from the tourism industry, an idea the government has grappled with for years on end. The homestay concept presents a scenario where the local people invite tourists to stay with them as members of the family at a fee (Kayat, 2010;Department of Tourism [DoT], 2013;Othman, Sazali, & Mohammed, 2013;Kimaiga, Kihima, & Pepela, 2015).…”

“…The attention the homestay concept has received from stakeholders and its prioritization in Kenya's economic blueprint is a clear indication of the opportunities; it presents in raising the standards of the living of the local people through employment creation, both directly and indirectly (DoT, 2013;Kimaiga et al, 2015). It is worth noting that the homestay concept is not new in Kenya even though its origins in the country appear not to have been properly documented.…”

“…It is worth noting that the homestay concept is not new in Kenya even though its origins in the country appear not to have been properly documented. For instance, in Taita Taveta County, the concept is reported to have been in existence since 1989 (Kimaiga et al, 2015). The pertinent questions therefore are: Has the contribution of this concept to the local people's standards of living been worthwhile?…”

“…In fact, in his study, he found that more than 80% of the local community in a local destination would like to take the leading role as entrepreneurs and workers at all levels. The motivation of local people to participate in the homestay program is central to the success of the program (Kimaiga et al, 2015). Therefore, Skinner's theory of motivation provided the most appropriate lens to assess the variables under study (Orodho, 2004).…”