| dc.description.abstract | This study examines some aspects of agro-based industries in Kisii District. One of the
aspects examined is that of the spatial patterns of the industries. The study also examines the variables that have influenced the location of these industries and which therefore are responsible for the prevailing spatial patterns. Finally, the study analyses industrial structural characteristics of the industries with a view to determining whether the characteristics contribute significantly to regional development. Literature has been reviewed on both the theoretical and empirical bases.A number of conceptual and theoretical frameworks/models are provided for the study. Data analysis is based on primary data collected from a sample of industries where a recording schedule was utilized, and interviews conducted with industrialists in the study area.This analysis has utilized both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as industrial location
analytical tools. The descriptive statistics used include: means, percentages, frequencies and correlations. The inferential tools utilized are chi-square and factor analysis. The industrial location pattern IS analyzed using the coefficient of localization and the location quotient as analytical tools.Analysis of data relating to industrial spatial patterns indicates that there is a spatial concentration of agro-based industries in Kisii Municipality. Analysis of data on industrial location variables shows that the various variables influencing the location of agro-based industries can be summarised into mainly four factors, namely: personal preferences, market accessibility, industrial support infrastructure-cum-urban economies and government supportcum-
labour-water supply. Analysis of industrial structural characteristics reveals the following:
the technology utilized by industries is predominantly labour-intensive; the industries mainly obtain their raw materials locally; the establishments manufacture primarily consumer goods;they produce goods largely for the local market; and the scale of' production of industries is mainly very small and/or small.
Several conclusions have been drawn from the major findings of this study. It is apparent that a core- periphery type of development pattern exists in the study area with Kisii Municipality being the core and the rest of the study area being the periphery. Secondly, the industrial location variables influencing' agro-based industries in Kisii District are mainly economic. Finally, the structure of Kisii District agro-based industries is largely centre-periphery orientated and hence inappropriate, and does not significantly contribute to regional development.It is recommended that measures be taken by planners and policy makers to effectively deal with the apparently polarised space economy of Kisii District. It is also recommended that the identified industrial location variables be used as policy instruments to influence equitable industrial and overall regional development in the study area. In addition, there is need to closely
study the industrial structural characteristics of the study area with a view to determining ways and means through which the industries could be more diversified so as to play a more significant role in regional development.It is imperative to undertake further research in all manufacturing and allied service industries in both Kisii District and other parts of Kenya in order to achieve a nationally more comprehensive and well diversified and equitable pattern(s) of industrial development in Kenya. | en |
