Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

Informal Sector studies in Kenya have mainly focussed on the Nairobi, the Primate City. However, the informal sector plays a significant role in the economic and social life of small and intermediate sized towns. Though by Kenya's standards, Nakuru is not a small town, it is so defined in this study for purposes of cross-national comparison. Background information on Nakuru shows that the town has a fairly heterogeneous population which has been growing at a fairly moderate rate compared to other towns in her size group. The economy of the town is showing signs of sophistication as it continues to grow at a "commendable rate". With respect to urban administration, the town seems to be well managed, at least financially.