Analysing Street Qualities, Copresence and Retail Shop Density in Kisumu City, Kenya.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between street qualities, copresence and retail density in cities. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey design and focused on selected planned and unplanned settlements in the city of Kisumu. Data was collected using closed-ended questionnaires and was analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The retail density of the four neighbourhoods was around 50% in Manyatta, 24.4% in Migosi, 16.6% in Arina and 8.9% in Nyalenda. Results on the association between selected street qualities and retail shop density showed a significant association between street width (F=7.589, p=.000); street amenities (F=4.064, p=.007); street safety (F=22.479, p=.000), therefore the null hypothesis was rejected. However, there was a non-significant association between retail shops and street lighting (F=1.389, p=.246); and spatial competition (F=1.157, p=.326) accepting the null hypothesis. The results of the relationship between street qualities and customer co-presence indicated a significant association between street width (F = 20.681, p = 0.000); street safety (F=17.409, p=0.000); street amenities (F=9.837, p=0.000); and street lighting (F=3.777, p=0.011) rejecting the null hypothesis. However, a non-significant relationship ensued with spatial competition (F=2.385, p=0.069) accepting the null hypothesis. Therefore, improving street width, lighting, safety and quality of amenities would affect the number of customers a retailer serves daily. The study recommends addressing street qualities by providing necessary amenities, lighting, and widths.