Sanitary provision and compliance with containment measures in Eldoret markets during the covid-19 pandemic, Uasin Gishu County Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Jepkorir, Kemboi Faith | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-23T08:11:39Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-02-23T08:11:39Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-08 | |
| dc.description | A research project submitted in partial fulfilment for the requirement for the degree of master of environmental planning and management in the school of engineering and architecture of Kenyatta University, August 2025 Supervisor: Prof Sammy Letema | |
| dc.description.abstract | Markets play a vital role in developing countries by providing affordable food and serving as key economic hubs. However, their role as public spaces also poses public health risks, particularly during disease outbreaks. This study examined markets in Eldoret, assessing sanitary conditions, Covid-19 compliance, and the extent to which market planning aligns with public health standards, with the goal of identifying areas for improvement to safeguard both traders and customers. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through structured questionnaires from 282 traders, selected using stratified random sampling from three major markets in Eldoret: Main, Municipal, and West Markets. Key informant interviews were also conducted with relevant stakeholders. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, likelihood ratio tests, and logistic regression. Results were presented in tables and figures. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to incorporate stakeholder perspectives. Findings indicated that water supply was generally reliable in all markets, toilet and urinal facilities were considered fairly adequate, while showers were notably inadequate in the West Market. Handwashing at entry points and face mask usage were common, but hand sanitizer use was limited, fumigation was infrequent, indicating non-compliance with Covid-19 measures. Temperature checks were rarely conducted, and social distancing proved challenging due congestion, raising concerns about the potential spread of Covid-19. Therefore, compliance with Covid-19 measures was low. The Lack of testing and the predominant use of cash transactions heightened the risk, emphasizing the need for increased adherence to safety measures. Market planning also emerged as a critical issue. While the Municipal and Main market had better security and lighting, the West Market lacked these basic provisions. The overall lack of planning to ensure public health, coupled with market congestion that made social distancing not tenable, highlighted the necessity for strategic interventions. The study concludes that sanitary provision and compliance during the pandemic was suboptimal, and market planning only partially met public health standards. The study recommends infrastructure improvement particularly showers and drainage systems in the West Market, and routine maintenance. To enhance Covid-19 containment, stricter enforcement of hygiene protocols is required, including consistent use of hand sanitizers, regular fumigation, temperature screening, and a shift from cash transactions to mobile money. In relation to market planning, the study calls for increased budgetary allocation by the Uasin Gishu County Government to support public health-oriented improvements. This includes the adoption of flexible design principles in future market development, expansion of parking areas, and reorganize layouts to allow adequate spacing. These measures aim to make Eldoret’s markets cleaner, safer, and more resilient to future public health challenges | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32531 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Sanitary provision and compliance with containment measures in Eldoret markets during the covid-19 pandemic, Uasin Gishu County Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |