ISSN 2320-5407 International Journal of Advanced Research (2014), Volume 2, Issue 2, 713-728 713 Journal homepage: http://www.journalijar.com INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH RESEARCH ARTICLE AN INVESTIGATION INTO TYPES AND EFFECTS OF HUMAN DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH TOURISM ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN AND AROUND THE MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA *Elizabeth Akinyi Owino 1 , Florence Wakhu Wamunga 2 1. Department of Educational Psychology, Moi University, P. O. Box 3900 - 30100, Eldoret, Kenya 2. Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Eldoret, P.O.Box 1125-30100, Eldoret, Kenya Manuscript Info Abstract Manuscript History: Received: 12 December 2013 Final Accepted: 22 January 2014 Published Online: February 2014 Key words: Types, Effects, Human Diseases, Tourism, Local Communities, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya *Corresponding Author Elizabeth Akinyi Owino Despite the promise of prosperity that is the allure of tourism expansion, there is growing evidence of a list risk of negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of local populations. The study sought to determine the various types of human diseases prevalent in and around Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) and how their occurrence is influenced by tourist activities in MMNR. The study population constituted local communities in the area. In this regard, purposive and simple random sampling procedures were employed. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design utilizing observation, key informant interviews, analysis of secondary data, and semi- structured interviews as main methods of data collection. An interview schedule was used as the main instrument of data collection during the study. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques of data analysis were employed. The salient findings of the study were that tourist activities have brought about changes in the socio-economic and physical environment, which have also predisposed the local residents to various health hazards. It was also found that Malaria, HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhoea, Typhoid, Amoeba, Tuberculosis, and Cholera, the main human diseases generally found in the area were related to tourist activities. The study therefore concluded that tourism had an effect on the local communities in and around the MMNR. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the government through the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) and other stakeholders should ensure that strategies were in place to reduce disease occurrence in the area Copy Right, IJAR, 2013,. All rights reserv INTRODUCTION According to a study on The national tourism master plan in the Republic of Kenya (GoK, 2000), the types of tourism experiences that bring tourists to Kenya include beach resort, golf tourism, wildlife and ecotourism, mountain and highland resort, cultural tourism, rail safari and cruise, private ranch tourism, village tourism, and special interest tourism. The study further indicates that wildlife and ecotourism, cultural tourism, village tourism, and special interest tourism attracts tourism in the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). Although not officially stated, a good percentage of foreigners who visit Kenya often indulge in sex tourism or at least as part of their activities during their trip (Chissam, 1996; Munene, 2013; Omondi, 2003; Sindiga, 1999). Munt (2003) explains that tourism-related consumption has three stages of impact: first, prior to departure, tourists purchase travel-related clothing and equipment, which may be produced under conditions that undermine the social and ecological sustainability of the producing communities. Second, when tourists travel long distances to tourist destinations, they create considerable atmospheric pollution and other impacts on the global environment. Third, upon arrival at the tourist destination, tourists often continue their accustomed habits of consumption, even though