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Abstract:
This study is descriptive which enabled the researcher to capture the experiences and practices of the local communities within the Amboseli ecosystem as they are on the ground; using mixed research methodology; investigation was carried out on if the local community members in Olgulului Group ranch have been involved in any capacity building that will ensure enhanced community based tourism. Community capacity building empowerment generally sets a direct pathway towards the enhancement of CBT benefits for local communities. The study established that there is inadequate community capacity which could have enabled the community members to mobilize and solve problems effectively. From the findings, majority of the respondents (83.9%) agreed that the community capacity building should be carried out through training on local tourism, with the trainings being regular and in line with community needs. The respondents stated that trainings have enabled the community make better decisions on tourism initiatives towards the achievement of sustainable CBT. The community members further stated that capacity building should include training on local tourism, empowerment and knowledge acquisition which would enable the community make better decisions on tourism initiatives. Community capacity building not only represents an advancement towards generating a sustainable tourism industry for the locals in Amboseli ecosystem, but it is an essential ingredient for the overall development of the community in Olgulului group ranch. However, the community members stated that they have not been trained on community based tourism which is an indication that the success of CBT in Olgulului group ranch is not sustainable. The emphasis on the importance of community capacity building is relevant to ensure tourism expansion within the local community set up. It is interesting to note that the locals who are the supposed owners of the community tourism projects are not aware of the projects implementation with the very community being ignorant of their role because they have little control and knowledge on running tourism projects and on decision making of such projects. The study further adopts the Sen's theory of Human development which highlights the need for capabilities expansion as a human development approach as a starting point if there is the intention to develop for human advancement. The study therefore emphasizes the need for capacity building as an initial ingredient to achieve enhanced Community Based Tourism.
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