Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

The paper outlines proposed research on Nairobi's garment industry. Using a political-economy framework, the research will investigate whether two patterns of success identified in an earlier study of small-scale manufacturing stand up to more rigorous testing. In particular, the research will examine whether the smallest garment manufacturers follow the small and flexible model, and whether capital accumulation is related to the social class and rural linkages of the business owner. The research will also investigate differences between men's and women's businesses, the impact of ethnicity on business performance, and the industry's export potential.