Perceptions of traders and consumers about KCCA modernised markets

Abstract

This study explored the traders’ and consumers’ perceptions about Kampala Capital City Modernised Markets. Perceptions of intended policy beneficiaries are important because these may increase or reduce policy conflict and execution (Byaruhanga and Bahenuka, 2016). Informed by this background, the research specifically explored whether the consumers and traders were involved in the market-modernization problem identification, explored the existing feedback mechanisms between traders and consumers, as well as feedback mechanisms between traders/consumers and KCCA and explored how best the modern markets can be improved to tally with the traders and consumers’ needs. The study adopted a qualitative evaluative research design to objectively and systematically examine and understand the consumers and traders’ perceptions regarding market modernization. The study population included respondents selected among the consumers, traders, and the policy makers within KCCA and the divisions of Kawempe and Kampala Central; where the markets of Wandegeya and Usafi are found. The research adopted a qualitative method approach where in-depth interviews and examination of records were used to collect data. Samples that yielded the most relevant and plentiful information were selected on basis of purposive and snowball sampling. Respondents’ responses were processed and analyzed through coding of interview replies and this was carefully done to avoid errors and coders were pre-checked prior to the coding. The study findings depict an increasingly pluralist arrangement of decision making within KCCA that includes the public. For instance before modernization of any market in KCCA, there is a social-economic study, which takes into consideration the number of people in the old markets, the forms of business, their areas of catchment and the traders’ expectations of the market. The point of contestation however was that while the studies take stock of the kind of issues such as businesses done, there is always a mismatch during actual allocation of stalls after modernization. The study noted that there are several avenues created by KCCA to enhance information flow from the traders or consumers to KCCA. These include open meetings between the KCCA market personnel and traders that operate in the modern markets. Traders are formally allowed to express their suggestions to KCCA through KCCA-market liaison officers. Consumers that buy items from the modernised markets are also allowed to use the various media platforms such as radio talk-shows and social media platforms (Facebook and twitter) to express any concerns to KCCA. The study findings point out that the best way of administering and managing markets is through the involvement of all stakeholders; vendors, KCCA officials, security officials and ensuring proper accountability of the fees and revenue collected and setting up stringent rules. Thus, KCCA should revisit the idea that markets are objects of administrative action, but rather, that the markets will transform KCCA’s face value and so will it be for the intended beneficiaries. KCCA should formulate a comprehensive policy on markets that clearly provides the control and management of markets.