ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the historical and political framework within which tourism is conducted in Kenya. It discusses the biophysical, social and economic characteristics of the country. The creative talents of a plural society can be channelled to greater social, economic and cultural development. The chapter examines certain key infrastructural services including transport, access to clean water, sanitation, electricity, and communications. It explains the Kenya was a British colony until 1963 when political power was passed to the African majority. The chapter also outlines Kenya's varied physical geography, ecological diversity and water resources. It provides great potential for tourism development – from beach tourism and water sports along the Indian Ocean coast, to angling, riding, canoeing, bird watching, mountain climbing, and wildlife photography in interior locations. The chapter also discusses the status of selected infrastructural facilities which are essential to Kenya's economic development.
