Tracking the Government Policy Role on Socio-Economic Empowerment of Street Vendors in Urban Areas

Onego, Roseline – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Dr. Gladys Rotich – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Dr. Ronald Martin Onsiro – Mount Kenya University
Prof. Kenneddy Mutundu – Mount Kenya University
Corresponding Author: roseonego4@gmail.com

Abstract: In the last decade, Africa has experienced unprecedented increase in unemployment and poverty rates. The situation has worsened especially in the urban areas due to COVID-19 pandemic containment measures and increased rural urban migration in search of opportunities which have been shrinking over time. Consequently, many urban dwellers opted for street vending as the main source of their livelihood. Despite this fact, street vendors seem to struggle for recognition. The Aim of this study was to examine the contributions of government policies and regulation on socio-economic empowerment of Street vendors in urban areas of Kenya. It was guided by Development as Freedom Approach. Descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 384 street vendors from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu Cities. Multistage sampling was employed. Primary data was collected using face to face questionnaire survey, interview guide, and observation guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The study revealed a negative significant relationship between government rules and regulations on socio economic empowerment of street vendors. It recommended that policy makers should enact supportive policies that will lead to improvement in working conditions of street vendors especially trading on public space; identification and legislation of all street vendors and tracking systems for street vendors in hostile working environments to enable them meet their roles.