INTRODUCTION: THE MARKETPLACE

Marketplaces are locations where vendors gather periodically go to sell merchandise: indoors or outdoors. Trading is a practice that has been in existence for as long as man has existed. The original form of trade, barter trade, saw the direct exchange of goods and services for other goods and services. Today, negotiation in trade is through a medium of exchange, predominantly money (L. Coppolaro, F. McKenzie, 2013).

Cities are markets that serve a given hinterland. Most cities and towns in Kenya began as markets. Marketplaces, therefore, hold a historical, political, economic, and social significance to any city or town and its surroundings (G. M. Onyango, G. G. Wagah, L. A. Omondi, B. O. Odera, 2013). The marketplace has a wide presence in most developing countries as important economic forums as well as social meeting places, and Kenya is no different. With one of the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya projects an expansion of 6.5% in marketplaces by 2025 (IMF, 2017).

Markets are among the most important income sources for the low- and middle-income earners in Kenya, who rely on small-scale produce to make a living. Our marketplaces have direct socio-economic impacts on an area and its environments. In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, the sector provides 60% of all jobs – 90% of all new jobs created in the '90s (Mitullah, 2003). Direct economic impacts include job creation, profits to business owners, tax revenues, while indirect benefits include improving social interaction in urban neighbourhoods and urban development. With a current urban population of 35%, Kisumu County projects up to 60% urban population by 2025, with its current urbanization rate of 8% per annum (Kwedho, 2012). This growing population demands bigger and modernized market places to accommodate the livelihood of residents.

Several functions are performed at market places, including sales, tourism promotion, encouraging the business formation, socializing, and integrating the youth into the community (G. M. Onyango, G. G. Wagah, L. A. Omondi, B. O. Odera, 2013).