Impact of Storm Water Runoff and Flooding on the Sustainability ofthe Hospitality and Tourism Sector in Kenya

Abstract

Storm water runoff and flooding have developed into major environmental problems which threaten the ability of the hospitality and tourism industry to maintain operations in Kenya. Climate change has increased rainfall intensity which combined with rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems has created more severe storm water issues in key tourist areas throughout the nation. The environmental pressures which affect tourism infrastructure create interruptions in tourism operations while they threaten the economic viability of communities which depend on tourism for their income. The research evaluated how storm water runoff and flooding events affected the sustainable development of Kenya's hospitality and tourism industry. The study examined five areas which included infrastructure damage, interruptions to tourism operations, economic impacts and environmental harm plus social consequences that resulted from storm water flooding. The researchers used a qualitative research design which involved analyzing secondary data from tourist industry reports, government documents, environmental evaluations and Tripadvisor traveler reviews. The research results demonstrate that storm water flooding has damaged tourism infrastructure which includes hotels and lodges and access roads and recreational facilities in Maasai Mara National Reserve and Lake Naivasha. Flooding has interrupted wildlife safari tours which led to tour cancellations and decreased visitor happiness. The quantitative analysis demonstrates that tourism facilities located in flood-prone regions experienced between 8 and 12 percent lower occupancy rates together with 30 percent higher booking cancellations during periods of heavy rainfall from 2024 to 2025. Environmental damage occurs through sedimentation and water body pollution and destruction of wildlife habitats which affects protected ecosystems including Lake Nakuru National Park. The research shows that storm water runoff creates serious threats which endanger the long-term sustainability of Kenya's hospitality and tourism industry. The paper proposes that tourism destinations should establish climate-resilient infrastructure together with better drainage systems and sustainable land-use planning and combined storm water management solutions.