About Us
KECOBAT
The Kenya Community Based Tourism Network (KECOBAT) was launched in August 2003 as a membership umbrella organization representing the interest of Community Based Tourism (CBT) organizations in Kenya. It aims to facilitate information sharing; delivering appropriate technical support and advisory services; mediating and lobbying their interests to government and other relevant institutions and thereby integrating community concerns into national tourism.
Vision
An empowered community influencing policies and stimulating actions at all levels in tourism to maximize returns from conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Mission
To safeguard and advance the interests and rights enjoyed by communities, local people and informal sector over tourism resources by enhancing their participation, contributing to policy and stimulating positive actions geared towards betterment of their livelihoods and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Objectives of KECOBAT
- Influencing tourism policy and regulations by lobbying and mediating CBTE’s interest to government and relevant institutions.
- Providing a forum for interaction and information sharing among its members and key stakeholders by promoting synergy and networking.
- Provide CBTE’s skills development support, business advice and promotion of best practice
- Research to develop knowledge based and statistical database on CBTE’s products and services;
- Marketing of CBTE’s products and services by crystallising unique selling points and developing clear brand attributes and image in the market place.
Notable Achievements
- Development of National CBTE’s framework (2009);
- Created a platform for over 2,000 CBTE’s across the country;
- Mainstreamed CBTE’s concern into the National Tourism Strategy 2013-2018, Tourism Bill, Tourism National policy (2008);
- Developed a National Culture and Heritage Strategy for Kenya (2012 – 2016) adopted by the Ministry of East Africa Affairs, Commerce and Tourism;
- Developed National Agro-tourism Strategy for the country (2012 – 2016) adopted by the Ministry of East Africa Affairs, Commerce and Tourism;
- Developed National Criteria and Guidelines for Homestays Accreditation (Nov, 2010) Adapted adopted by the Ministry of East Africa Affairs, Commerce and Tourism and Government of Uganda;
- Compiled and manages the most comprehensive nationwide Homestays mapping and Homestays database of over 1700 homes and reservation agencies;
- Developed Homestays Product in Kenya (2007) and accredited over 200 high-end and cultural Homestays
Meet Our Team!
Adam Foster
Executive Director
Kristina May
Program Coordinator
Jason Sterling
Program Manager
Our Partners
