Disaster Mitigation in informal markets - Architecture …architecture.uonbi.ac.ke/sites/default/files/cae/builtenviron... · university of nairobi, school of the built environment,

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI,

SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT,

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING SCIENCE.

DISASTER MITIGATION IN INFORMAL MARKETS:

A CASE OF TOI MARKET, NAIROBI

A RESEARCH THESIS.

AUTHOR: MUTIE SAMUEL MUSYOKI

REG. NO: B02/0787/2010

i

DECLARATION

This thesis is my original work and has not been presented in any University or Institution for the purpose of awarding a degree to the best of

my knowledge.

Author ……………………………………………………………………………………. Date ……………………………………………………

Mutie Samuel Musyoki B02/0787/2010

It is submitted in partial fulfilment of the examination requirement for the award of Bachelor of Architecture degree, in the Department of

Architecture and Building Science at the University of Nairobi.

Tutor………………………………………………………………………………. Date…………………………………………………

Arch. Edwin Oyaro

Year master …………………………………………………………………… Date …………………………………………………

Prof. T.J.C Anyamba

Chairman ………………………………………………………………………… Date …………………………………………………

Arch. Musau Kimeu

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To God, the Architect of life.

Special thanks to my Mum and Dad for the numerous sacrifices, love and unwavering support through this journey. You inspire me every day

to be better. My siblings Dan, Liz and Mannu for the support you gave me not forgetting the inspiration from my learned grandpa (42). My late

grannies, Ruth and Alice, I will forever be grateful for their guardianship and tutelage.

I would like to thank my lecturers in the Department of Architecture and Building Science, at the University of Nairobi; my tutor Arch. Edwin

Oyaro for your wise counsel and diligent guidance throughout the writing of this Thesis, Prof. Tom Anyamba, Prof. Jerry Magutu, Prof. Robert

Rukwaro, Dr. Laban Shihembetsa, Dr. Alfred Omenya, Arch. Musau Kimeu, Arch Erastus Abonyo, Arch. Yasir Brek, Arch. Allan Otieno, Arch. Adnan

Mwakulomba, Arch. Kamau Karogi, Arch. Eliud Liku, Arch. Yusuf Ebrahim, Arch. Nobert Musyoki, Arch. Joseph Kamenju, Arch. Kigara Kamweru,

Arch. Pami Thathi and Des. Kahare Miano.

To the director of markets Nairobi City County Mr. Hari R. Mwahari and the administrators at Toi and Kariokor markets for facilitating this

academic inquest.

To the ‘Since Day One crew’ and the rest of my classmates for the memories forged. It has been exciting six years full of fun and cheer.

God bless you.

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DEDICATION

To my Dad and Mum.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 JUSTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

1.7 LIMITATIONS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6

1.9 STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH………………………………………………………………………………………………………......................................................................................6

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF INFORMAL MARKETS IN NAIROBI .......................................................................................................................................... 11

2.2.1 COLONIAL PERIOD ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11

2.2.2 POST COLONIAL PERIOD ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

2.3 TYPOLOGIES OF INFORMAL MARKETS ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3.1 MODE OF OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3.2 LOCATION OF THE MARKETS ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

2.3.3 EXISTING FACILITIES .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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2.4 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO DISASTERS IN INFORMAL MARKETS ......................................................................................................................................... 18

2.4.1 POOR INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

2.4.2 SPACE USE CONFLICT ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23

2.5 DISASTER MITIGATION SOLUTIONS FOR INFORMAL SECTOR REDEVELOPMENT. ................................................................................................................... 27

2.5.1 CASE 01: AMHEDABAD STREET MARKET – AMHEDABAD, INDIA .................................................................................................................................... 27

2.5.2 CASE 02: BROOK STREET MARKET, DURBAN .................................................................................................................................................................... 31

2.5.3 CASE 03: KEJETIA MARKET – KUMASI, GHANA ................................................................................................................................................................. 36

2.5.4 CASE 04: MUNTINLUPA MARKET - PHILIPHINES ............................................................................................................................................................... 39

2.6 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43

3.2 RESEARCH PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43

3.3 RESEARCH STRATEGY ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

3.3.1 WHY TOI MARKET? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

3.4 TIME HORIZON ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44

3.5 DATA SOURCES ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 44

3.5.1 DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45

3.5.2 DATA PROCESSING AND ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

3.5.3 DATA PRESENTATION ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45

4.0 ANALYSIS OF TOI MARKET

4.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 48

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4.2 HISTORY OF TOI MARKET ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48

4.3 SCALE OF ANALYSIS OF TOI MARKET ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 50

4.4 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF TOI MARKET ........................................................................................................................................................................... 51

4.5 NEIGHBOURHOOD AND CONTEXT ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50

4.6 EVOLUTION OF THE SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF TOI MARKET ............................................................................................................................................... 52

4.7 DISASTER MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN TOI MARKET………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...52

4.7.1 ACTIVITY ZONING IN THE MARKET ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 53

4.7.2 ACCESS AND CIRCULATION ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 55

4.7.3 TYPOLOGIES ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 58

4.7.4 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 66

4.7.5 DRAINAGE SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68

4.7.6 SANITATION ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 70

4.8 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND DATA ANALYSIS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...71

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 74

5.2 CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74

5.2.1 CONCLUSION ON THE CHALLENGES FACED IN INFORMAL MARKETS IN TERMS OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS IN

VARIOUS CASES. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74

5.2.2 CONCLUSION ON THE DISASTER MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND THEIR SHORTCOMINGS AS MANISFESTED IN TOI MARKET. ....................................... 76

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS AND WAY FORWARD……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................78

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2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Fig 2. 1: A busy street in Gikomba market Nairobi. .................................. 10

Fig 2. 2: Access of Toi market from Woodley estate. ............................... 10

Fig 2. 3: The segregation of residential areas in Nairobi, 1909................. 11

Fig 2. 4: A section of Gikomba market in the 1980s. ................................ 12

Fig 2. 5: Gikomba market in 1988. ............................................................ 12

Fig 2. 6: A mobile market – handcart. ....................................................... 13

Fig 2. 7: A section of Ngara market in Nairobi. ......................................... 13

Fig 2. 8: Aerial view of City stadium market in Nairobi along Jogoo road 14

Fig 2. 9: A map showing the context of City Stadium market .................. 15

Fig 2. 10: A street market in India. ........................................................... 16

Fig 2. 11: A street market in Nairobi ........................................................ 16

Fig 2. 12: Open stalls in Kangemi market. ................................................ 17

Fig 2. 13: Drainage system in form of shallow channels along the

walkways of Toi market. ........................................................................... 18

Fig 2. 14: A city council worker unblocking drainage channels in Donholm

roundabout market, Nairobi. .................................................................... 18

Fig 2. 15: Solid waste accumulation Kangemi market. ............................ 19

Fig 2. 16: A solid waste heap in Ngara market. ........................................ 19

Fig 2. 17: A makeshift toilet facility for City stadium market traders. ..... 20

Fig 2. 18: Temporary stalls along one of the walkways in Toi market ..... 21

Fig 2. 19: Temporary stalls in Kariokor open air market. ......................... 21

Fig 2. 20: A muddy pedestrian walkway in Gikomba market, Nairobi. .... 22

Fig 2. 21: A congested pedestrian and vehicular access in Gikomba

market, Nairobi. ........................................................................................ 22

Fig 2. 22: Githurai roundabout market along Thika super highway. ....... 23

Fig 2. 23: Githurai roundabout market along Thika super highway. ....... 23

Fig 2. 24: Encroachment in to pedestrian circulation path in Kariokor

open air market along Ring Road Ngara ................................................... 24

Fig 2. 25: Stalls constructed on a roadside drainage channel in Woodley

market, Nairobi ......................................................................................... 25

Fig 2. 26: Stalls constructed on the power line way leave in Gikomba

market, Nairobi. ........................................................................................ 26

Fig 2. 27: Illegal power connection in Kibera slums next to Toi market. . 26

Fig 2. 28: A section through the market................................................... 28

Fig 2. 29: An elevation of the market from the private area. .................. 28

Fig 2. 30: Amhedabad street market layout plan after intervention. ...... 28

Fig 2. 31: The 3R concept for sustainable solid waste management. ....... 29

Fig 2. 32: Solid waste disposal containers which allow separation of solid

waste. ........................................................................................................ 30

Fig 2. 33: Portable solid waste disposal containers .................................. 30

Fig 2. 34: Brook street market before redevelopment. ........................... 31

Fig 2. 35: Aerial view of Brook street market. .......................................... 31

Fig 2. 36: A shopping concourse after intervention. ................................ 32

Fig 2. 37: The circulation areas were decongested after intervention .... 32

Fig 2. 38: Creation of retail space in the first to ease congestion in the

limited space. ............................................................................................ 33

Fig 2. 39: Use of a pedestrian bridge with ramps for barrier free

walkways. .................................................................................................. 33

Fig 2. 40: Different classes of fires which can break out in a market. ..... 34

Fig 2. 41: Aerial view of Kejetia market. .................................................. 36

Fig 2. 42: A section of the market on fire in September 2015. ................ 36

Fig 2. 43: The existing open drain in Kejetia market ................................ 37

Fig 2. 44: The proposed interventions in terms of storm water control in

Kejetia market. .......................................................................................... 37

LIST OF FIGURES

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Fig 2. 45: The proposed interventions ..................................................... 37

Fig 2. 46: Permeable paving allows run off water to infiltrate to the

ground. ...................................................................................................... 38

Fig 2. 47: Use of tree box filter to control surface run off. ...................... 38

Fig 2. 48: Aerial view of Muntilupa public market – Philipines. ................ 39

Fig 2. 49: Waste water treatment interventions incorporated in

Muntinlupa public market. ....................................................................... 39

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Fig 3.1: An infographic showing the research strategy that was use………43

Fig 3.2: An infographic showing how the case study design was used……44

Fig 3.3: A Sony digital camera…………………………………………………………..……45

Fig 3.4: A 3.5 metres long Komelon tape measure…………………………………45

Fig 3.5: Part of the fresh produce section in Toi market.……………………… 46

Fig 3.6: A computer generated image of a fresh produce stall in Toi

market.………………………………………………………………………………………………. 46

Fig 3.7: A field sketch representing a stall for selling mitumba in Toi market………………………………………………………………………………………………… 46

4.0 ANALYSIS OF TOI MARKET

Fig 4. 1: Pedestrian entrance to the market from Kibera drive. ............... 48

Fig 4. 2: customers lined up at cloth stall in Toi market. ........................... 48

Fig 4. 3: Aerial view of Toi market from Kibera plaza. .............................. 49

Fig 4. 4: The market was destroyed by fire during the 2008 post-election

violence. .................................................................................................... 49

Fig 4. 5: A cluster of stalls in Toi market next to the service yard. There are

different clusters of stalls in Toi market. .................................................. 50

Fig 4. 6: Analysis of Toi market and its context in terms of activity zoning,

circulation and access is part of the study. ............................................... 50

Fig 4. 7: A unit stall in the fresh produce section. There exist different

typologies of stalls in Toi market. ............................................................. 50

Fig 4. 8: Geographical location of Toi market. .......................................... 51

Fig 4. 9: Neighbourhood and context of Toi market. ................................. 51

Fig 4. 10: Toi market before 2007 ............................................................. 52

Fig 4. 11: Toi market after 2007. ............................................................... 52

Fig 4. 12: The stalls next to the service yard after the reconstruction of the

market by the traders. ................................................................................ 52

Fig 4. 13: The stalls next to the service yard before the post-election

violence fire razed the market. .................................................................. 52

Fig 4. 14: The ablution block next to the furniture .................................... 53

Fig 4. 15: The food court stalls next to Woodley Estate. ........................... 53

Fig 4. 16: Cereals and grain stalls along the Vehicular access to the market.

.................................................................................................................. 53

Fig 4. 17: One of the charcoal stalls along the vehicular access next to

Kibera plaza .............................................................................................. 53

Fig 4. 18: The furniture and wood stalls next to little prince primary school.

.................................................................................................................. 53

Fig 4. 19: Customers lining up at the fresh produce stalls next to the service

yard ........................................................................................................... 53

Fig 4. 20: The distribution of different commercial activities in Toi market.

Source: Author, 2015 ................................................................................ 53

Fig 4. 21: The mitumba stalls along one of the main pedestrian walkways.

.................................................................................................................. 53

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Fig 4. 22: The charcoal vending stalls have been segregated from the rest

of the stalls. ............................................................................................... 54

Fig 4. 23: The food vending stalls have been separated from the rest of

the stalls by wide pedestrian walkways. ................................................... 54

Fig 4. 24: One of the main pedestrian access running in North-South

orientation ................................................................................................ 55

Fig 4. 25: Pedestrian access to the market from Joseph Kangethe road .. 55

Fig 4. 26: One of the many tertiary pedestrian pathways in the market. 55

Fig 4. 27: Vehicular access to the service yard. The access is also a

secondary pedestrian access to the market. ............................................... 55

Fig 4. 28: Vehicular access road branching off from Vehicular access road

branching off from Kibera drive. ............................................................... 55

Fig 4. 29: Vehicular and pedestrian access of Toi market. ........................ 55

Fig 4. 30: A secondary pedestrian path next to the furniture section. ..... 56

Fig 4. 31: A tertiary pedestrian path in the mitumba clothes section. ..... 56

Fig 4.32: Polythene sheets hanged above the circulation paths. ............. 57

Fig 4.33: Encroachment of trading activities along the circulation paths. 57

Fig 4.34: A typical layout plan of the mitumba clothes stalls. .................. 58

Fig 4.35: A cluster of the mitumba clothes stalls along one of the main

pedestrian routes. ..................................................................................... 58

Fig 4.36: A section through a unit mitumba clothes stall. ........................ 58

Fig 4.37: A cluster of mitumba clothes stalls oriented along one of the

main pedestrian walkways. ....................................................................... 58

Fig 4.38: A 3D representation of a mitumba clothes stall. ....................... 58

Fig 4.39: A section through a cluster of mitumba clothes stalls oriented

along one of the main pedestrian walkways. ........................................... 58

Fig 4.40: A section through a cluster of fresh produce stalls. ................... 59

Fig 4.41: A section through a cluster of fresh produce stalls. ................... 59

Fig 4.42: A section of a fresh produce stalls in Toi market. ...................... 59

Fig 4.43: A 3D impression of a fresh produce stall. .................................. 59

Fig 4.44: A layout plan of a cluster of fresh produce stalls. ...................... 59

Fig 4.45: A cluster of fresh produce stalls showing the circulation areas

and the arrangement of stalls. .................................................................. 59

Fig 4.46: A layout plan of an individual cereal stall. ................................. 60

Fig 4.47: A 3D impression of a cereal stall ................................................ 60

Fig 4.48: A layout plan for a cluster of cereals stalls along the vehicular

access route. ............................................................................................. 60

Fig 4.49: A cluster of the cereal stalls in Toi market. ................................ 60

Fig 4.50: A section through an individual cereal stall. .............................. 60

Fig 4.51: A section through a cluster of cereals stalls along the vehicular

access route. ............................................................................................. 60

Fig 4.52: A section through a cluster of charcoal and cereal stalls along the

vehicular access. ....................................................................................... 61

Fig 4.53: A layout plan of a charcoal stall. ................................................ 61

Fig 4.54: A 3D representation of a charcoal stall. ..................................... 61

Fig 4.55: A layout plan for a cluster of charcoal and cereal stalls along the

vehicular access. ....................................................................................... 61

Fig 4.56: A section through an individual charcoal stall. A layout plan of a

charcoal stall. ............................................................................................ 61

Fig 4.57: A cluster of charcoal stalls in Toi market. ................................... 61

Fig 4.58: A section through a cluster of food vending stalls and mitumba

clothes stalls. ............................................................................................. 62

Fig 4.59: A layout plan for cluster of food vending stalls and mitumba

clothes stalls in Toi market. ...................................................................... 62

Fig 4.60: A section of the food vending stalls to the north of the market 62

Fig 4.61: A 3D impression of food vending stalls. ..................................... 62

Fig 4.62: A layout plan of a unit food vending stall .................................. 62

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Fig 4.63: A section through a cluster of furniture stalls.63Fig 4.64: A layout

plan for cluster of furniture stalls in Toi market. ...................................... 63

Fig 4.65: A 3D impression of a unit furniture stall. ................................... 63

Fig 4.66: A layout plan of a unit furniture stall. ........................................ 63

Fig 4.67: Interior of one of the furniture stalls in Toi market. .................. 63

Fig 4.68: Section A-A through a unit furniture stall. ................................. 63

Fig 4.69: Open stalls take large area of the market .................................. 65

Fig 4.70: Enclosed stalls located at the periphery of the market. ............ 65

Fig 4.71: The solid waste disposal point in Toi market. ............................ 66

Fig 4.72: It also the service yard for the market. ...................................... 66

Fig 4.73: The access to the solid waste disposal point. ............................ 67

Fig 4.74: Drainage channels along one of the circulation paths in the

market. ...................................................................................................... 68

Fig 4.75: Covered channels along the vehicular access to the market. .... 69

Fig 4.76: Stagnant water on one of the open earth drains. ...................... 69

Fig 4.77: Sewer line for the ablution block next to the furniture section

being fixed in August 2015. ....................................................................... 70

Fig 4.78: A newly completed ablution facility next to the charcoal stalls. 70

Table 2.1: Functional elements and strategies of integrated solid waste management………………………………………………………………………………………...30 Table 5.1: Different scales of analysis of Toi market…………………………50 Table 5.2: A comparative analysis of the different typologies existing in Toi market…………………………………………………………………………………………....64 Table 5.3: A summary of data analysis and findings……………………………...71

LIST OF TABLES

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ABSTRACT

Informal markets form part of the informal urbanization and arise as a result of failure of the formal economy to absorb the growing numbers of

job seekers. The existing legislation does not effectively address the problems of Kenya’s informal economy, largely for lack of political will and

serious commitment by policy-makers. The traders have to come up with the spatial organization of the markets on their own. In most cases the

trading spaces utilized by informal traders lack adequate infrastructure facilities, and are often inadequate to accommodate the high demand for

trading space. This has left the traders exposed to disasters such as fire outbreaks, flooding, poor solid waste management and poor sanitation.

It is these challenges which necessitated the following study to investigate the challenges faced by traders in the informal markets in terms of

mitigating the above mentioned disasters and the various solutions which have been implemented in various cases. With Toi market as the case

study, the study looked in to the disaster mitigation strategies incorporated in the market and the evident shortcomings. The study draws effective

mitigation strategies to curb the problem of fire outbreaks, flooding, poor solid waste management and poor sanitation for future informal sector

development.

Through literature review, poor infrastructure and space use conflict were found as the factors contributing to disasters in informal markets. The

various solutions drawn from different desk studies involving informal sector development included effective storm water management, effective

and sustainable sanitation, resolving circulation conflict, fire safety measures in markets and effective solid waste management. These were used

as the variables for the analysis of Toi market.

The fieldwork analysis of Toi market highlighted that the traders had various disaster mitigation strategies incorporated in the redevelopment of

the market after it was razed down by fire in 2008. However, majority were not up to the required standards or were not implemented resulting to

a disaster prone environment which is not legible for business.

To mitigate this problem, the author proposes the following strategies; strict enforcement of activity zoning regulations, barrier free walkways,

segregation of vehicular and pedestrian movement, a construction technology which promotes fire safety, effective and sustainable sanitation,

effective storm water management.

1

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

2

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Informal markets form part of the informal urbanization and arise as a result of failure of the

formal economy to absorb the growing numbers of job seekers. The existing legislation does

not effectively address the problems of Kenya’s informal economy, largely for lack of

political will and serious commitment by policy-makers. (UNHSP - HABITAT, 2006)

The urban informal sector contributes to urban development in multiple ways amongst

others, it generates employment for an expanding urban workforce as well as provides much

needed flexibility and innovation in the economy. In the absent of social welfare benefits,

the urban informal sector can also serve as an informal and natural mechanism of social

protection. As long as the modern formal employment sector falls short of providing the

much needed jobs for the ever-increasing urban populations, the informal sector will be here

for a long time. (Ouma, 2010)

Urban centres all over the world have one unifying characteristic; that of contested space

due to the rapid demographic and economic changes that the world is currently facing. The

emergence of informal markets in contested spaces in urban centres is hence linked to such

increases in populations, and the resulting economic changes and inability by the urban

centres to enter the global market place (Max, 2007; Brown, 2006).

3

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The absence of clear policies has relegated the informal sector to fragile working

environments and competitive disadvantage compared larger formal firms in capital and

product markets. (Chen, 2012) Traders trade from insecure contested spaces. The vendors

have to come up with the spatial organization of the markets on their own. In most cases the

trading spaces utilized by informal traders lack adequate infrastructure facilities, and are

often inadequate to accommodate the high demand.

For instance, Toi market in Nairobi has undergone post disaster transformation overtime

with the vendors incorporating new strategies to ensure a more efficient approach in case of

another disaster. After the market was razed down by fire in 2008, the traders in conjunction

with Jamii Bora Trust came up with a new spatial organization during reconstruction of the

market. However, these strategies cannot withstand efficiently some of these disasters such

as fires, flooding, and epidemics outbreak. This is evident as part of the market was gutted

down by fire in November 2014 hence the need for more efficient strategies in terms of

disaster preparedness.

One of the goals for Nairobi Metropolitan development plan 2008 is to promote, develop,

and invest in sufficient public utilities, public services, and world-class infrastructure for

transforming Nairobi into a global competitive city for investment and tourism. The research

will help come up with strategies and recommendations to be applied in redevelopment of

4

these markets in Kenyan urban areas towards disaster resilience. The existing strategies by

the traders, though may be not effective, can be used to generate more effective ones.

1.3 RESEARCH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To establish the challenges faced in informal markets in terms of disaster preparedness

and the possible solutions in various cases.

To investigate disaster preparedness strategies and their shortcomings as manifested in

Toi market.

To recommend effective disaster mitigation strategies, for future informal sector

development in Kenyan urban areas.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What are the challenges faced in informal markets and the possible solutions in terms of

disaster preparedness?

What disaster preparedness strategies and shortcomings are manifested in Toi market?

What effective disaster preparedness can be incorporated for future informal markets

development in Kenyan urban areas?

5

1.5 JUSTIFICATION

The author acknowledges that study in this field is not entirely new. However, there exists a

gap as previous researches on informal markets does not the issue of disaster and risk

preparedness in markets in Toi market.

This study is in line with the Kenya Government’s development blueprint – Vision 2030;

which aims to transform Kenya into a new industrialising, middle-income country providing

a high quality life to all its citizens by the year 2030. (Government of Kenya, 2008) Numerous

studies have shown that the informal sector has the potential to create more employment

opportunities than the formal sector. Solving the problem of high susceptibility to disasters

in informal markets is one step towards achieving the goal.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study of informal markets can be approached from economic, social, political and

architectural perspective. This research is limited to the planning and design of informal

markets and the relationship to disaster and risk preparedness. The study focuses on Toi

market in Nairobi as the case study looking both in to its historical background and the

existing scenario. Other cases globally have been chosen as part of the desk studies.

6

1.7 LIMITATIONS

The following are the limitations likely to be encountered in this study:

Financial constraints: Due to limited financial resources, some research material may

prove difficult to acquire.

Time constraints: The academic time allocated may prove insufficient to carry out an in

depth investigation.

Hostility and insecurity: This is a common phenomenon in informal markets which may

affect the research fieldwork negatively.

1 .8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Mabati – Swahili word for corrugated iron sheets.

Mitumba – Local term for second hand clothing.

Informal market – Places where people would meet and exchange simple wares in a

rather casual and unlicensed manner.

Informal sector – Self-organized, unregistered activities undertaken by self-employed

persons in open air markets, market stalls and undeveloped plots or along streets within

urban centres with or without licenses.

1.9 STRUCTURE OF THE RESEARCH

Chapter One

It introduces the informal markets and their general characteristics and then introducing the

problems faced in informal markets and stating that there are existing strategies incorporated

7

by the traders to mitigate the problems. The chapter then highlights the objectives of the

research and the possible shortcomings which may be experienced in the course of the

research. Lastly, there is clear elaboration of the importance of this study.

Chapter Two

This chapter is an overview of relevant literature on informal markets in terms of the

historical background in Nairobi city where Toi market is located, the different typologies of

informal markets and factors behind the location of the informal markets. Moreover, there is

an overview of the factors causing disasters in informal markets and the various disaster

mitigation solutions incorporated in redevelopment of informal markets.

Chapter Three

This chapter shows various data collection tools used to carry out the research. The main

research method adopted however is the case study method. The collection method includes;

interviews to bring out the architectural issues taken in to account by the traders of the market,

observation using photography and sketches and measured drawings.

Chapter Four

This chapter provides briefly the historical transformation of Toi market. The spatial

organization of the market, the circulation systems, sanitation, solid waste management and

construction technology of the market is documented and analysed in relation to disaster

responsiveness, that is, fire safety, storm water management, solid waste management and

8

sanitation. The shortcomings of the above mentioned strategies are highlighted in this

chapter.

Chapter Five

This being the final chapter discusses the conclusions and recommendations drawn from this

study.

9

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE

REVIEW