Factors Influencing Management Of Slaughterhouse Waste In Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado And Machakos Counties

Abstract

Management of solid waste and waste water in developing countries has been handled over the years with relative success. However, one area that has not received proper attention is management of the waste generated by urban slaughterhouses. Although slaughterhouse wastes could be of potential benefits, they are a major source of public health and environmental hazards if not properly managed. The City of Nairobi has the largest per capita consumption of red meat in Kenya at 10.25 Kg and the demand is set to increase, due to the ever expanding population. Consequently, waste generation from the slaughterhouses that supplies meat to the City is expected to increase and if not managed well, will cause environmental pollution. Non-compliance with the laws and regulations can result in closure of affected slaughterhouses and disrupt meat trade. The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing management of waste generated by the local large category slaughterhouses in Kiambu, Nairobi, Kajiado and Machakos counties supplying meat to Nairobi. The study objectives were; to establish the extent to which compliance with regulations governing slaughterhouse operations influences waste management; to determine the extent to which standard operating procedures influences waste management; and to investigate the extent to which biogas production influences waste management. The target population was 18 local large category slaughterhouses in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties that supply meat to Nairobi. The sample size was 34 respondents comprising 17 managers and 17 meat inspectors and was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula, in view of the small target population size. The sampling procedure used was total enumeration. The study used descriptive research design and data was collected using questionnaires, observation method and document review. Findings established that although majority of the slaughterhouse managers sampled expressed satisfaction with the level of waste management, half of the slaughterhouses had their waste handling and disposal facilities in poor working condition. Close to 40% of the slaughterhouses had been threatened with closure in the last five years. Nearly half of the slaughterhouses sampled did not have SOPs to guide waste management. Only Nyongara slaughterhouse in Dagoretti complex had a biogas plant. From the findings, the study made the following recommendations; stepping up enforcement of the regulations to increase compliance, conduct business opportunity seminars for slaughterhouse operators and the public on commercial utilization of slaughterhouse waste, develop SOPs for use by all slaughterhouses