Challenges and Opportunities for Handicraft Traders as East Meets West at Open Air Markets in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

East and West meet in Kenya as tourists to enjoy the climate, hospitality and tourist attractions. Handicraft traders target tourists from the East and the West to buy handicrafts. This research was carried out among textile handicraft traders in open air markets in Nairobi, Kenya to find out their product range, customer base and issues affecting their businesses. The study found that only 25% of the handicraft traders exported abroad. Most of the traders would like to and would benefit more from export trade; however they face challenges in doing so. Handicraft traders are constrained in exporting their products to the East and West because of insufficient information, inadequate capital and lack of contacts in the export location.