Market pairs that show some integration are just pairs of producing and consuming markets, or those among consum ing markets. Ikonge and Chabera being very important pineapple growing areas are integrated with pineapple markets in Nakuru, Kisumu and Nairobi. This is due to the information flow from consuming to producing markets through urban wholesalers. However, due to remoteness of major parts of Kebirigo, Ekerenyo, and Mawawa markets from the tarmac roads linking producing markets with the major consuming markets, these markets are not highly integrated with the major consuming markets. This indicates the importance of good access roads for market integration and hence
market competitiveness, as more traders would be able to reach the markets. An element of cartel exists that limits pineapple farmers bargaining power especially in determining the farmgate price. At retail level, however, market
competition is more apparent since many buyers have to bargain with many small-scale retailers. The chain linkages among market actors described above also strengthened the oligopsonistic nature of pineapple markets.