Implication of informal food vending outlets in Nairobi Industrial area, Lunga Lunga road.

Abstract

Due to increased urbanization rates coupled by reduced supply of formal employment, urban authorities have been faced with a big challenge in controlling the informal economic activities especially street food that have to observe public health aspects. Ho wever, their contribution in generation of revenue to the urban authorities and absorption of the surplus labour is significant.Inclusive planning has been given upper hand by urban planners as the best alternative in dealing with the situation. This could be seen in countries like India where inclusive planning of street food has been applied in learning institutions, working areas and even residential places.This study was conducted to understand the implications of informal food vending outlets with the view of suggesting prevention/control measures. The objectives of this study were to understand the characteristics, operations and the location of informal food vending outlets in the study area, to identify the factors that have influenced the emergence of informal food vending outlets along Wundanyi road, to assess the impacts of informal food vending outlets in the study area and to recommend possible policy measures to be adopted to improve the situation. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. It employed use of questionnaires,interviews, mapping, photography, observation and conduction of literature review as methods of data collection. The data was analyzed by use of SPSS, AutoCAD, GIS and MS Excel after which it was present in different forms including tables, maps, photos and descriptions. The main planning issues that resulted from the study included exclusive planning and non-revision of plans to conform to the present realities and dynamics, inefficient development control and urban economy not matching the needs of all the residents. The existence of the fore stated planning problems has led to emergence, haphazard location and encroachment onto the road reserve by informal food kiosks. This has reduced the pedestrian walkway pushing them onto the carriageway thus increased traffic congestion. The kiosks have used substandard building materials which are vulnerable for fire outbreaks and which contributes to ugly environments an aspect coupled by the filthy environment and location of waste site near the kiosk which is never or takes months to be collected. All these poses the kiosk operators and customers to health risks. To adequately respond to the above planning problems, the following recommendations were proposed; efficient development control, planning for a food court, regular revision/update of development plans and formulation of support legislation.