Perceived Trail Accessibility and Competitive Advantage in Kenya’s Adventure Tourism Sector

Abstract

Kenya's adventure tourism sector has strong potential because of its exceptional ecological diversity. However, the sector faces an "Infrastructure Paradox" where world-class natural assets are undermined by inconsistent accessibility standards. Guided by the Resource-Based View and Expectation Disconfirmation Theory, this study examined the effect of perceived trail accessibility on competitive advantage in Kenya’s adventure tourism sector. The study sought to determine the effect of perceived trail accessibility on the competitive advantage of Kenya’s adventure tourism sector. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, targeting a population of active hikers and adventure tourism stakeholders. A sample of 400 hikers was selected using convenience sampling for the quantitative phase, while 12 stakeholders were purposively selected for qualitative interviews. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Structural model results using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) showed that perceived trail accessibility did not have a statistically significant direct effect on competitive advantage (β = 0.026, p = 0.663). Scenic beauty (β = 0.522, p < 0.001) and trail length (β = 0.211, p < 0.001) emerged as the primary determinants of competitive advantage. These results suggest that trail accessibility functions as a threshold resource. It is necessary to prevent visitor dissatisfaction, but does not by itself create a unique competitive edge. Qualitative findings corroborated this, identifying degraded feeder roads and information gaps as key barriers to improving the visitor experience. The study concluded that while accessibility is essential for operational viability, it functioned as a threshold resource rather than a strategic driver. It recommended that the Ministry of Tourism and wildlife management agencies adopt a Standardized Signage Protocol and a national trail classification framework based on international best practices to align infrastructure quality with the high value of Kenya’s natural landscapes.