Making market places in Kisumu more effective

Kenya is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, with a growing urban population. Market places have a key role in forming African cities and their economies as they are more than just a place to sell and buy goods and services. They are a place for interaction and meetings, information, social networks, marketing and production.

Markets have always been important for Kisumu due to its strategic location in Kenya and the East African region. The location close to Lake Victoria, its port and rail way terminal gives it a strategic advantage. Most market places in Kisumu are informal and periodic and are growing fast as they are an attraction for business people. However many markets are vulnerable due to poor infrastructure, fluctuation of commodity prices, lack of waste and sanitary facilities, ambiguities in regulatory frameworks and the effects of climate change. The aim of the Market Places Project in Kisumu is working with key City stakeholders in tackling these challenges and making the market place more effective and the project is well on its way on making a difference in Kisumu.

The film Markets in Kisumu City produced by the project describes the different markets in Kisumu, the importance of market places and the challenges they are facing. The project has also produced a book, Market places – Experiences from Kisumu City describing the impact of changing market place linkages on inequality and wellbeing in Kisumu. The book also touches upon issues of livelihood, land use and property rights, access to social services and infrastructure, social relations, living conditions and job security.

As the aim is to make the market places function more effective the project has also developed five market places prototypes among others a fish kiosk, a container market and lake front market. The prototypes have been developed through a bottom-up and involving process developed in cooperation with Kisumu Market Trade Association, Street Traders Association and Municipal Council Market Attendants. Some traders have adopted the design and are using them in various sites. Demonstration units has also been constructed and incorporated at different sites in the city.

The Market places project is timely as the City of Kisumu is working with the County Government to prepare an Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan. The plan for the city and the county will contribute to the growth of market places within the overall framework of the city. The Markets places project will surely have many great inputs to the plan.

Brochure: Market places prototypes
Book: Market places – Experiences from Kisumu City

Film: Markets in Kisumu City

Read more about the Market places project