Title:
THE PHENOMENON OF STREET VENDING IN KAKAMEGA TOWN, KENYA

Authors:
Patrick Ngome Shitikho ,Kenya

Abstract:
Street vending is an economic activity that involves offering commodities for sale to the public without having permanent built up structures from which the wares are sold. Although some vendors may have permanent spots along the streets, apparently there are those whose operation has remained mobile. Accordingly, this study purposed to investigate the factors that have led to the growth of street vending activities in Kakamega town. The specific objective was to investigate the factors which have pushed these traders to operate on the streets in Kakamega town. The study adopted the Legalists theory that mainly view the challenge presented by street vending in terms of bureaucratic obstacles created by authorities and lack of enforceable laws and policies. The study used descriptive research design. A sample of169street traders,20 drivers of different types of vehicles,30pedestrians, 45 customers,25 fixed shop operators,20 County market traders,2 street traders ‘associations’ officials and4County Government of Kakamega (CGK) officials were used for the study as respondents. The research study used both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling techniques. Data collection methods used included purposive sampling, interviews, questionnaires, photograph taking. The data collected was analyzed by use of MSexcel, Predictive Analytical Software (PAS) and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the traders’ relocation and operation on the streets in Kakamega town is due to the desire for profit maximization, lack of adequate infrastructural facilities and limited spaces in the market structures, dilapidating buildings and poor structural design and poor spaces and stall allocation. In order to address these challenges, there is need to mobilize resources for improving market structures, have proper space use, identify appropriate policies and collaboration among all stakeholders so as to succeed in settling these traders.