Public defence

On Wednesday December 3rd  2014 Rita Nthiga successfully defended her thesis  'Governance of Tourism Conservation Partnerships. Lessons from Kenya'.

Rita: In this thesis I analyze and explain the nature of governance in two tourism conservation partnerships in Laikipia, Kenya: the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille and Koija Starbeds Partnerships. The thesis contributes to the broader discussions on the role of partnerships in conservation and development.

Governance is conceptualized in terms of participation, accountability, transparency, equity and effectiveness. The results reveal both similarities and differences between the partnerships and show that governance in both partnerships is influenced by challenges related to among others un-balanced power-relations, inadequate local institutions, un-supportive legislative and cultural frameworks and cultural constraints. Despite these governance challenges both partnerships make important contributions to livelihoods and conservation.

The research further reveals that partnerships are not simple institutions but comprise of ‘nested’ institutions which make their governance complex. In the thesis I therefore conclude that for partnerships to realize their potentials, they must be more consciously governed at the partnership level - by the various partners - and as a governance instrument more generally- by various societal actors.

A link to the recording of the defence and a digital version of the thesis can be found here.