http://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2886 2026-04-05T10:12:34Z http://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/6375 Assessment of Climate Change Impact and Vulnerability of Immovable Cultural Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Kenya’s Coastline Chemeli, Angelah Researchers have developed interest on climate change as a contemporary affecting the tourism sector. Although climate change is widely acknowledged as a global phenomenon, the actual and projected effects are still being debated in the scientific and political forums. Locally, there is evidence of uncertain trends regarding the manifestation of global climate change and the required adjustments. Climate change is negatively affecting the tourism sector which is the backbone of economic development. Cultural heritage is important in that it provides tourism opportunities, enhances economic growth, stimulates learning and fosters cultural identity. Yet, change in climate elements of temperature, rainfall and rising sea level impacts the preservation of values embodied in the immovable cultural resources. Cultural heritage has survived the past centuries but the previous adaptation may not sustain them in the extreme climate conditions in the future. Some of the cultural heritage sites like Vasco da Gama, Fort Jesus and Jumba la Mtwana have been highlighted to have physical damage. The study was guided by the following objectives; general objective: assessing the effects of climate change and vulnerability of immovable cultural heritages and the responses strategies employed by the destination stakeholders. Specific objectives which include to: analyze the impacts of climate change on the immovable cultural heritage sites; assess the vulnerability of immovable cultural heritage sites to climate change; identify the adaptation strategies of the immovable cultural heritage sites; determine response to barriers in adapting immovable cultural heritage to climate change; identify how the stakeholder’s, maximize opportunities that arise in adapting immovable cultural heritage to climate change. The study was guided by the theory of adaptation. The study covered eight immovable cultural heritage sites identified in Kilifi and Mombasa counties. Questionnaires, interviews and observation methods was used in data collection. The study used descriptive analysis in analyzing descriptive data and narrative analysis for qualitative data. The results of the findings indicated that apart from climate change impacts being a major threat to the immovable cultural heritages along Kenyan coastline, old age and human activities are also other factors facilitating the deterioration of the cultural heritages. Results of the study will provide information on existing knowledge gaps concerning the effects of climate change on the immovable cultural heritage thus increase baseline data and provide solutions to heritage sites facing the effects of climate change. The study further recommended the need for more and continuous research on the causes of cultural heritage sites deterioration and measurement of how the climate change elements affects the immovable cultural heritage sites. Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2022. 2022-10-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/246 Isolation, Identification and Screening of Bacillus species from Rastrineobola argentea (Omena) for Production of Bacteriocins active against Bovine Mastitis Pathogens Maina, Juliana Wanjiru Bacteriocins offer an advantage over antibiotics in that they target very specific organisms and they are generally regarded as safe for humans. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify bacteriocin-producing Bacillus species from Rastrineobola argentea (Omena) and to screen their bacteriocins for their potential as antimicrobial agents against bovine mastitis pathogens. A total of 300 R. argentea samples were randomly purchased from retailers in Gikomba market-Nairobi. To identify isolated bacteria, colonies were assessed using morphological, biochemical techniques and the API KIT. Further, crude bacteriocins produced by some of the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity against the bovine mastitis pathogens Escherichia coli ATCC-25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923 by well diffusion method. The physicochemical characteristics of the crude bacteriocins produced were also assessed. The study identified Bacillus mycoides, subtilis, pumilus and lentus as the most predominant species. Among these, Bacillus subtilis and pumilus were found to produce crude bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, the bovine mastitis pathogens. The crude bacteriocins produced were found to be fully or partially inactivated in the presence of proteolytic enzymes like trypsin and had a lipid moiety since their activity reduced in presence of lipase enzyme. In contrast, their antimicrobial activity was not affected by temperature treatment of up to 100°C or in presence of ions like copper or iron but there was slight reduction in activity with zinc ions. Their activity was optimal at neutral and alkaline pH but reduced significantly at acidic pH. The bacteriocins produced by these Bacillus species have desirable characteristics that make these isolates attractive candidates with potential application for prevention of bovine mastitis pathogens. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.mut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/241 YOUTH TRAVEL AS A POTENTIAL MARKET SEGMENT FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY AMONG THE YOUNG TRAVELERS IN NAIROBI, KENYA Kihara, Caroline The study was conducted in Nairobi National park in Nairobi County and focused on assessing youth travel as potential market segment for the tourism industry in Kenya. Exploratory and descriptive survey design was adopted in this study using a sample size of 140 that was selected using purposive sampling from the youth population of 1,319,131 aged between 15-30 years. The study used secondary and primary data to achieve the objectives of the study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The data was then sorted, coded and analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Multi-way cross tabulation with chi-square and percentages were used to analyze the respondents‟ data. Pearson Moment Correlation was used to establish relationship between dependent and independent variables. Multi variance regression analysis was used to ascertain whether travel limiting factors were significant in predicting frequency of youth travel. Factor analysis was used to determine youth travel motivations factors. The study found out that youth travel in Nairobi is largely domestic. Majority of youth travellers are students, aged below 25 years and have high levels of education. Using factor analysis approach five travel motivations were derived namely: seeking new experiences, adventure, relaxation, recognition and social contact. Positive and significant relationship was established between travel motivations and tourist destination choice. In addition, previous experience and significant others were perceived as the most popular sources of travel information. Coastal beaches, national parks and game reserves were found to be the most preferred tourist attractions. Further, the study established that the majority of youth travellers prefer low cost accommodations while personal cars and tour buses are the most preferred modes of transportation. A positive relationship between preference for tourist products and services and frequency of travel was established. Structural and interpersonal constrains were perceived as the most likely limiting factors to travel. Negative but insignificant relationship between frequency of travel and travel limiting factors was established though travel awareness, influence by significant others and family were found to be significant in predicting frequency of youth travel. The study also found out that majority of youth travellers in Nairobi plan their travel independently and travel in groups. Based on the findings of this study it can be concluded that there is long term potential in this market and can make unique contribution to sustainable tourism practices in Kenya. It is therefore suggested that Kenyan government to recognize this market and incorporate youth travel policies. Moreover, there is a need for tourism marketers and providers to target this market with the right offers, diversify the tourist products and play a more active role in marketing youth travel market both locally and internationally. This will act as an enticement to both domestic and international youth travel market. 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z