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An Assessment of the Informal Sector Trade in Kenya

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  • Gor, Seth Omondi

Abstract

This study assesses the nature and practice of cross-border trade in Kenya with a view to filling the information gap on its patterns and key characteristics, a gap that has hitherto acted to hinder effective policy formulation. The study relies on information from a number of cross-border monitoring survey initiatives mounted by various institutions over the years. The study finds that informal cross-border trade accounts for more than 40 percent of the GDP and is therefore almost equivalent to formal trade. Efforts should be made to conceive policy suggestions that would optimize both formal and informal trade from the viewpoint of the national economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Gor, Seth Omondi, 2012. "An Assessment of the Informal Sector Trade in Kenya," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ecjilt:122237
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.122237
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Levin, Jörgen & Widell, Lars M., 2014. "Tax evasion in Kenya and Tanzania: Evidence from missing imports," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 151-162.
    2. Caroline Lesser & Evdokia Moisé-Leeman, 2009. "Informal Cross-Border Trade and Trade Facilitation Reform in Sub-Saharan Africa," OECD Trade Policy Papers 86, OECD Publishing.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pasquali, Giovanni & Krishnan, Aarti & Alford, Matthew, 2021. "Multichain strategies and economic upgrading in global value chains: Evidence from Kenyan horticulture," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    2. Eberhard-Ruiz, Andreas & Moradi, Alexander, 2019. "Regional market integration in East Africa: Local but no regional effects?," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 255-268.

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