Mary Njeri Kinyanjui | University of Nairobi, Kenya (original) (raw)
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London School of Economics and Political Science
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Papers by Mary Njeri Kinyanjui
African Studies Review, 2013
Research on the informal sector tends to pay little attention to the evolution and dynamics of so... more Research on the informal sector tends to pay little attention to the evolution and dynamics of
social institutions and social relations. Most institutional analysis compares the informal sector
with the formal sector but does not deeply analyse the institutions of the informal sector in their
own right. Informal sector policy and practice often prescribe interventions for the sector, but
do not advance proposals on how to tap into and build on existing associations and relations.
This paper examines the structure, organization and role of associations and social relations in
the informal sector in Kenya, and argues the case for why analysis of the informal sector should
take them into account.
Evidence from Kenya’s informal sector shows that this sector is not just chaotic or disorganized,
as some of the literature suggests. Numerous factors can push people into the informal
economy—but once there, they mobilize social relations and associations to fulfil multiple tasks
and functions. These social relations and associations are guided by particular norms and
values that help in addressing fundamental concerns, such as organizing society and
coordinating markets. Associations also play a role in production, consumption, distribution,
protection and transformation.
Kinyanjui argues that straitjacketed formalization strategies may not always work when dealing
with informal social relations and associations. There is a need to use alternative approaches
that seek to address fragmentation—such as those recorded in economic history, for example,
the incorporation of merchant guilds in London into the administration of the city—
multiculturalism, corporatism and the co-optation of subaltern organizations in development
policy and practice. The author’s description and analysis seek to give an institutional meaning
and logic to the social relations and associations of the people in Kenya’s informal economy. She
argues that they serve as institutions of hope in times of social economic despair because
through them, members mobilize social finances, provide basic services and protection as well
as negotiate for social justice. As such, it is important that these associations and relations are
given space and opportunity.
University graduates from rural central province in Kenya are providing vast entrepreneurial spir... more University graduates from rural central province in Kenya are providing vast entrepreneurial spirit. This article uses field data to illustrate that graduates are fueling economic growth in rural central Kenya as they are setting up small business in manufacturing, retail trade, and services. In addition, they are running businesses professionally and are self motivated. They have a knack of taking calculated risks besides having a vision for their business.
As they pursue their dreams, they are creating employment and contributing to poverty alleviation in the region.The graduates are providing impressive dynamism and business sense in terms of product diversity and production processes.
African Studies Review, 2013
Research on the informal sector tends to pay little attention to the evolution and dynamics of so... more Research on the informal sector tends to pay little attention to the evolution and dynamics of
social institutions and social relations. Most institutional analysis compares the informal sector
with the formal sector but does not deeply analyse the institutions of the informal sector in their
own right. Informal sector policy and practice often prescribe interventions for the sector, but
do not advance proposals on how to tap into and build on existing associations and relations.
This paper examines the structure, organization and role of associations and social relations in
the informal sector in Kenya, and argues the case for why analysis of the informal sector should
take them into account.
Evidence from Kenya’s informal sector shows that this sector is not just chaotic or disorganized,
as some of the literature suggests. Numerous factors can push people into the informal
economy—but once there, they mobilize social relations and associations to fulfil multiple tasks
and functions. These social relations and associations are guided by particular norms and
values that help in addressing fundamental concerns, such as organizing society and
coordinating markets. Associations also play a role in production, consumption, distribution,
protection and transformation.
Kinyanjui argues that straitjacketed formalization strategies may not always work when dealing
with informal social relations and associations. There is a need to use alternative approaches
that seek to address fragmentation—such as those recorded in economic history, for example,
the incorporation of merchant guilds in London into the administration of the city—
multiculturalism, corporatism and the co-optation of subaltern organizations in development
policy and practice. The author’s description and analysis seek to give an institutional meaning
and logic to the social relations and associations of the people in Kenya’s informal economy. She
argues that they serve as institutions of hope in times of social economic despair because
through them, members mobilize social finances, provide basic services and protection as well
as negotiate for social justice. As such, it is important that these associations and relations are
given space and opportunity.
University graduates from rural central province in Kenya are providing vast entrepreneurial spir... more University graduates from rural central province in Kenya are providing vast entrepreneurial spirit. This article uses field data to illustrate that graduates are fueling economic growth in rural central Kenya as they are setting up small business in manufacturing, retail trade, and services. In addition, they are running businesses professionally and are self motivated. They have a knack of taking calculated risks besides having a vision for their business.
As they pursue their dreams, they are creating employment and contributing to poverty alleviation in the region.The graduates are providing impressive dynamism and business sense in terms of product diversity and production processes.