Qualifications

PhD. Tourism & Hospitality Management, (Leeds Beckett University), Current

MSc. Responsible Tourism Management (Leeds Beckett University), 2022

B. Tourism Management (Moi University), 2016

PhD Research

My PhD focuses on exploring power dynamics in community-governed tourism conservancies in Kenya. It aims to identify the stakeholders involved in the governance of tourism in these conservancies, understand their interests, and their level of influence in the decision-making process. 

Why tourism matters in community-governed conservancies

Tourism is key to helping local communities benefit from wildlife. It encourages them to protect and set aside land for conservation, such as at community-governed conservancies.

Tourism in these areas has many benefits, including protecting biodiversity, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and supporting the local economy.

One of the biggest benefits is that they increase stakeholder participation in managing protected areas—particularly the involvement of local communities—and reduce dependence on state control.

They can make decisions, share the benefits, and work towards conserving wildlife for future generations.

The big question: Is everyone really involved?

Despite the positives, there’s still a concern—is everyone truly involved in decision-making? Decision-making in these conservancies involves many players, including government bodies, local communities, NGOs, and private companies.

They often have competing interests—biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods, and tourism development. 

The degree of influence that each player holds also varies. Certain players may be more successful than others in meeting their priorities, raising concerns about power imbalances, and the questions:

• Who is involved?
• What are their interests?
• Whose interests are over- or under-represented?
• Who stands to benefit most?
• Who might lose out?

Understanding power dynamics

My research dives into these power dynamics using a framework called political ecology. This approach helps me see how different players interact and influence tourism decisions in community conservancies. 

While others have used political ecology in tourism studies, it hasn’t been explored much in the context of community conservancies.

Why this research matters

By understanding who holds power and why, I hope my research will lead to better ways of managing conservancies—not just in Kenya, but globally.

I also hope it will help develop a conflict resolution framework, so all the different groups with different interests can work together more effectively.

Publications and Presentations

Publications

Magio, E.O, Imbaya, B.O, Mugo, T & Magio, K.O. (Working Paper). “Exploring Public-Private Partnerships in Community-based Tourism Initiatives: Motivations, Challenges, and Benefits in Kenya.”

Magio, E.O, Sabuhoro, E, Magio, K.O & Louwman-Vogels, C. (In Review). “Local Perceptions of Community-based Tourism as a Catalyst for Transitioning from Community Exploitation towards Community Empowerment: Insights from Two Maasai Villages in Kenya.”

Magio E.O. & Louwman-Vogels, C. (2023). “Benefit Sharing from Maasai Manyatta Visits.” Tourism Cases. CABI. 

Magio, E. O. (2021). “Africa must put communities, and conservation at the centre of travel & tourism recovery.” Blog Article. The ‘Good Tourism’ Blog.

Presentations

“The Effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships on Wildlife Conservation in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.” Presented at the ATLAS Africa Conference on Tourism and Innovation, Makerere University, Uganda. June 2019.

“The Influence of Devolved System of Governance on Rural Tourism Development in Narok County.” Presented at the ATLAS Africa Conference on Tourism and Travel Competitiveness: Opportunities and Challenges, Moi University, Kenya. June 2017.

Teaching

2016 – 2022:  Teaching Assistant – Department of Tourism Management, Moi University, Kenya

2022: Instructor, Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS), Nairobi Town Campus, Kenya

2019: Instructor, School of Hospitality and Languages, East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (ICS), Eldoret Campus, Kenya

2017-2018: Instructor, Department of Tourism Management, Eldoret Tourism and Professional College, Kenya

Awards

2023: Ph.D. Research Bursary, School of Events, Tourism, and Hospitality Management, Leeds Beckett University 

2022: Distinction – MSc. Responsible Tourism Management, Leeds Beckett University

2021: Africademics Scholarship Ambassador of the Year

2020: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship

2020: Green Growth Africa Mentorship for Research Programme (Pre-Mentee)

2017: Mara Gates Kenya Scholarship

2016: First Class Honours – Bachelor of Tourism Management, Moi University