Factors influencing the access and flow of market information within the Kenyan Informal Sector: The case of Kamukunji Metal workers in Nairobi

Abstract

This study examines the factors that influence the access and flow of market information within the Kenyan Informal Sector. The broad objective of the study was to find out whether the Kamukunji Jua Kali artisans in Nairobi get the relevant market information and at what cost. However, there were a number of specific objectives which include: to identify and describe methods of information gathering and dissemination among the Kamukunji Metal workers. Another specific objective was to determine the extent which market information is used to enhance business growth within the informal businesses. The study also set out to examine the factors that influence the access and flow of market information needs within the Kenyan informal sector. The study made use of both primary and secondary sources of data. The primary source of data was interviews with Kamukunji Jua Kali Metal artisans in Nairobi. A sample size of fifty Jua Kali artisans was selected and information gathered from them by use of a pre-designed questionnaire. The study largely depended on available literature for secondary data. Recent literature on the informal sector in Kenya was reviewed to establish the relevance and importance of the Jua Kali sector. Similarly, recent literature on the importance of market information to the informal sector was reviewed. In the literature review section, participatory communication and development communication theories were also reviewed. Study findings indicate that the most important market information need for the Kamukunji artisans is knowledge of source of affordable raw materials. The findings also indicate that artisans encounter immense problems in accessing market related information and that access to this information is an expensive exercise. From the study, it emerged that artisans require immense knowledge to facilitate their decision-making in production. The study argues that there is need for government's intervention in improving the artisan's accessibility to market related information. One of the recommendations of this stud);..is that the government can help to create bigger markets for the Jua Kali artisans by opting product innovation and building institutional capacity. There is also need to encourage the artisans to participate fully in gathering and dissemination of market information. The study also recommends that there is need to empower the welfare associations formed by the informal sector operators to take control of the process of acquiring and disseminating information