| dc.description.abstract | Urban infrastructure services, which include facilities and services such
as roads, mass transportation, water systems, garbage collection and
disposal, drainage and flood protection, electric installations, and
telecommunications, are essential in making human settlements (including
urban areas) places of sustainable living by enhancing their environmental
quality and aiding human activities.
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However, in developing countries, urban infrastructure facilities and
services have been recording poor performance both in terms of quantity
and quality standards. In Kenya, the situation has not been any different
as evidenced by the inefficiency and inadequacy of Solid Waste Management
services in the city of Nairobi. By reviewing a wide range of issues
connected with infrastructure services, and by posing the problem in the
context of the developing world, this study aims at establishing possible
explanations for the above situation.
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A review of literature indicates that the bulk of urban infrastructure
service problems both in the developing world and in Kenya, are a
consequence of a variety of factors including high urban population growth
rates and administrative and management malfunctions in the urban
management systems. But more specifically, this poor performance has been
blamed on the institutional framework under which urban infrastructure
services delivered. Critics argue that the public sector, traditionally
responsible for service delivery in developing countries, is insensitive
to internal and external factors which impinge on the efficiency and
effectiveness of service delivery systems
The si inly therefore seeks to establish from existing examples in t he
developing world, available inslitul ional arrangements and particularly
examines role that private sector participation plays in solving urban
service del iverv problems. .Specific attention is paid to the coni ribut ion
of the private,in the provision of solid waste management services in the
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city of Nairobi.
The involvement of the private sector in solid waste management in Nairobi
is a relatively new phenomenon. However, the findings of t lie study
indicate that prompted by frustrations with the infrequent and inefficient
services provided by the Nairobi City Council, city residents are
increasingly turning to private solid waste entrepreneurs as a means of
getting their garbage collection needs met. The study has established
that as demonstrated in numerous other experiences in the developing
world, private solid waste entrepreneurship in Nairobi seems to b 3 useful
in addressing solid waste management problems in the city. However, the
current private sector involvement does not address the needs of all areas
within Ihi' city especially low income areas and open spaces.
Taking into consideration the above facts, and considering important
contextual issues, the study recommends the privatization of garbage
collection services in the city of Nairobi not as a panacea, bit as an
important step towards the solution of the problem. | |
