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Policy and Governance Dimensions of Circular Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Destination Competitiveness in Kenya’s Coastal Tourism Circuit

Authors

Dr. Ruth K. Kimaiga

Assistant Director, Strategy & Planning, Tourism Regulatory Authority (Kenya)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100600434

Subject Category: Public Policy

Volume/Issue: 10/6 | Page No: 6241-6262

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-06-05

Accepted: 2026-06-10

Published: 2026-06-26

Abstract

The circular economy has emerged as a strategic framework for advancing sustainable tourism development and enhancing destination competitiveness. Anchored on Ecological Modernization Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Institutional Theory, this study investigated the effects of policy and governance aspects of the circular economy on sustainable destination competitiveness in Kenya’s Coastal Tourism Circuit and assessed the mediating role of stakeholder collaboration on this relationship. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting managers and operators of accommodation facilities in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu Counties. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques yielded a sample of 346 respondents, of whom 309 provided valid responses, resulting in a response rate of 89.31%. Primary data were gathered through structured online questionnaires, while secondary data were sourced from peer-reviewed journals, books, and the Government of Kenya policy documents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. The results indicated a high level of adoption of circular economy governance practices, particularly in compliance with waste-sorting and recycling guidelines (M = 4.61, SD = 0.76), as well as robust stakeholder collaboration with county governments on environmental sustainability initiatives (M = 4.61, SD = 0.76). Inferential analyses demonstrated significant positive associations between policy and governance dimensions of the circular economy and sustainable destination competitiveness (ρ = .668, p < .001), with stakeholder collaboration fully mediating this relationship (Z = 9.955, p < .001). The study recommends strengthening policy enforcement, institutional coordination, sustainability incentives, and community-focused stakeholder collaboration

Keywords

Circular economy, tourism governance, destination competitiveness, Ecological modernization theory, coastal circuit, Kenya

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