Investigating The Management Of Construction Wastes In Nairobi County:

Abstract

This research project delved into the management of wastes within the construction sites specifically targeting Nairobi County in Kenya. The aim was to investigate sustainable waste management practices in construction sites within Nairobi Count. The objectives of the research project looked into the identification and sustainability of waste management techniques applied and the challenges faced in managing construction wastes within Nairobi. The study is an important drive towards a sustainable construction industry as wastes produced by the sector contributes to the waste stream and affects the environment. This research will eventually answer four research questions which are: What is the average amount of waste produced by construction sites in Nairobi County? What are the waste management techniques adopted by building contractors and stakeholders on these sites? What is the impact of waste management techniques on the environment? And finally, what challenges are experienced by contractors in effecting sustainable waste management techniques? This research, gives an overview of the various facets of environmental risks caused by construction activities. It narrows down to waste management and details more on the wastes generated by the construction activities, how they are generated and how they are managed. This research goes on to focus on the legal framework put in place to manage waste management and the best practices for waste management, both globally and locally. The research design applied was a case study research. The target population were NCA 1, NCA 2 and NCA 3 contractors’ sites with building projects within Nairobi County. Observation, oral interviews and three-part questionnaires were the instruments of data collection used in the study. A random selection of the registered NCA 1, NCA 2 and NCA 3 building contractors was done and 51 questionnaires were sent out to the contractors’ sites. Data analysis was done using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings indicated that the waste management is practiced in Kenya to a certain extent and is continuously improving. The Nairobi City Council and environmental organizations such as NEMA have helped a lot in waste management in construction sites. The research findings also indicate that the contractors in Nairobi know the consequences of waste generation on the environment and that the activities they do affect need to be properly management for the purpose of having an environmental friendly environment. The study recommends employment of proper waste management techniques on construction sites and adoption of best practices from other regions for a sustainable industry