EFFECTS OF TEMPORARY MARKET RELOCATION ON LIVELIHOODS OF TRADERS IN JUJA MARKET, IN KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study examined the effects of temporary market relocation on the livelihoods of traders in Juja Market, Kiambu County, Kenya. Across the country, informal market traders frequently face displacement, either abruptly or through formally planned urban development initiatives. In 2017, traders at Juja Market were temporarily relocated through a planned upgrading process. Despite this structured approach, traders reported various challenges, including loss of income, reduced customer flow, limited consultation, and poor trading conditions. The study analyzed the impact of temporary market relocation on traders’ livelihoods, the influence of trader participation in restoration packages, and the effectiveness of those plans in addressing livelihood disruptions. The study was grounded on the Sustainable Livelihood Theory and the Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction Model. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, targeting a population of 416 traders who were affected by the relocation. A sample of 125 traders was selected through sstratified random sampling, while 10 key informants were identified through purposive sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 22, while qualitative data was examined using thematic analysis. The study found that not all traders from the original market were relocated to the temporary site during the construction period. The temporary relocation disrupted social dynamics within the market community, weakened established trader networks, and reduced community cohesion. Additionally, the relocation had significant economic implications, including financial strain due to the disruption of businesses. The study concludes that while temporary relocation is often necessary during infrastructure upgrades, its implementation must be carefully planned to minimize disruptions. Properly equipped and strategically located temporary relocation sites play a critical role in sustaining traders’ livelihoods during transition. The study recommends that county governments ensure temporary sites are adequately resourced with essential infrastructure to facilitate business continuity during market upgrading processes. Further research should examine the long-term effects of repeated displacement of traders, particularly their social resilience, income recovery, and coping strategies, since involuntary displacement continues to threaten the stability of informal livelihoods.