UUSC Crisis Analysis: The Impact of Postelection Violence on Street Vendors and Informal Traders

On December 27, 2007, street vendors and informal traders — alongside millions of other Kenyan citizens — voted to elect their leaders against a backdrop of election pledges made by presidential, parliamentary, and civic candidates to improve their lives. Yet, a flawed electoral process, which drew calls for an independent investigation and a revote, plunged the country into violence and chaos. The ensuing political, economic, and social crisis has severely affected the lives and livelihoods of informal workers in Kenya, particularly street vendors.