COVID-19-Related Transformations and Post-Pandemic Recovery for Informal Food Vendors in Secondary Cities: A Case of Kisumu City, Kenya

While substantial literature exists on COVID-19’s effects on businesses, long-term recovery strategies and support systems for informal female-owned enterprises in secondary cities are underexplored. The study sought to qualitatively examine the gendered impacts of COVID-19 on informal food businesses owned by women in Kenya. Qualitative interviews with 80 participants, including key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions in Kisumu, Kenya, were conducted. The study found that the pandemic significantly disrupted the livelihoods of female vendors, leading to changes in the market and household organization, including gender specific transformations. The women adopted some individual and collective strategies as part of the post-pandemic recovery strategies to enhance their resilience in business. The study findings shed light on the vulnerabilities of informal food businesses in secondary cities to emergencies and the need for targeted policies to support informal economies during crises.