Study Reveals Only 8% of Kenyan Markets Fully Functional Amid Affordability Crisis

A recent study by the Kenya Cash Working Group (KCWG) has found that only 8 per cent of commodity markets across Kenya are fully functional. The research highlights affordability as the primary barrier preventing consumers from accessing available goods.

The KCWG assessed 90 markets nationwide, evaluating them across five key dimensions: accessibility, availability, affordability, resilience, and infrastructure. Each dimension was weighted to reflect its impact on market operations and the supply of essential commodities.

Findings showed that while 71 per cent of vendors reported their markets were physically accessible, 69 per cent indicated that customers faced financial challenges that hindered purchasing power. Affordability scored particularly low, with 84 per cent of markets receiving less than half of the maximum score in this category.

Vendor challenges were also significant, with 96 per cent citing rising supplier costs, limited funds for restocking, and declining customer numbers as key operational pressures. Despite these difficulties, the availability of staple foods remained relatively stable, supported by diverse supplier networks and short restocking periods.

Market functionality ratings were as follows:

• Fully functional: 8%
• Limited functionality: 61%
• Poor functionality: 31%

Fully functional markets were mainly found in Samburu, Tana River, Turkana, and Kilifi counties. However, the KCWG noted that in arid and semi-arid regions, fewer vendors may reflect local conditions rather than systemic market failure.

The study underscores a disconnect between the physical presence of goods and consumers' ability to afford them, emphasizing the need for policy interventions to address financial barriers and improve market resilience.