| dc.description.abstract | According to estimates, Nairobi, the capital of Kenya has a population of approximately
3 million and is one of the most densely populated cities in East Africa with over 2900
persons per square kilometre. Nairobi is estimated to have a solid waste generation rate
of over 1600 tons per day.
In Kenya, the collection, administration and enforcement of solid waste has been the
responsibility of the city and municipal councils which are run by the local government.
It is estimated that 20-40% of Nairobi's solid waste is collected per day leaving a 60-80%
collection deficit. Of the amount collected, it is unknown what percentage finds its way
to designated dumpsites. The NCC's Environment Department is hindered by a small
staff and extremely limited financial resources and the waste trucks are regularly down
for repairs rendering them unable to collect waste consistently.
<-
Private companies began performing solid waste collections during the past 14 years.
Presently, industry sources estimate that there a~e about 500 private companies involved
in waste haulage within Nairobi, consisting primarily of single truck operators. These
private waste collectors mainly collect waste from certain industries, commercial
VI
premises and private homes on a commercial basis. The three largest solid waste
management firms are BINS, Kenya Refuse Handlers and Domestic Refuse Disposal.
These three firms offer selective waste collection and disposal services relying mainly on
dumping with very limited incineration and consulting services.
This project focuses on waste disposal issues in a low-income area, Kayole-Soweto,
which receives minimal waste services from the NCC. As the issue of low-income waste
collection has not been addressed, neither has there been any solid waste policy
developed in Kenya, we will be examining the waste disposal habits of the residents of
Kayole-Soweto and providing recommendations with an emphasis on waste minimisation
through recycling and reusing and the involvement of community based organisations
that link income generation to environmental protection. | en |
