Abstract:
Purpose: Outdoor recreationist are prone to selecting sites that have eye catching sceneries with
nice weather and spectacular landscapes. However, visitation in the natural parks can cause
substantial resource change in the national parks that can affect the parks’ functionality. The aim
of the study is to assess the impact of recreation activities in the national parks in the Central
Kenya region on vegetation, soil, water and wild game.
Methodology: The descriptive survey research design was used. The study was conducted in the
two designated national parks in Central Kenya region: Mt. Kenya and Aberdares. Stratified
random sampling was used to ensure that the KWS and KFS officers in managerial, tour guide,
maintenance, and security levels were represented. Out of the three hundred and twenty nine
(329) questionnaires administered, two hundred and sixty three 263(79.9%) responded to the
questionnaires by completely filling and returning them. Descriptive statistics that included
frequencies and percentages were used to organize and summarize the data. Tables and bar
charts were drawn to present the collected data.
Results: Independent T-test was conducted to compare the perception mean rating between the
visitors and staff on picnicking where visitors ( = 1.82, SD=0.69) and staff ( = 1.52,SD=0.69)
the two group are not significantly different However, there is significant difference on
Hiking/climbing/safari walk ( =2.53,SD=0.76) and staff( =2.37,SD=0.87). The visitors rated
Hiking/Climbing/Safari walk as the recreation activities that negatively affects environment
followed by Bicycling/Mountain, biking/Game drive. The rating of hiking/Climbing/Safari walks
both as recreation activity that was perceived to negatively affect environment and as the most
preferred recreation activity is attributed to the visitors’ perception that the more the use of a
particular activity the more the impact on the environment.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Since impact is inevitable wherever
recreation use is allowed, it is imperative to set specific objectives and standards that will place a
limit on impact. Then, through monitoring of conditions, managers will be able to more clearly
identify when specific impacts have become so pronounced as to demand management attention.
