Factors Contributing to Poor Solid Waste Management in Small Scale Businesses in Nairobi: a Case Study of Huruma
Abstract
The study investigated factors that contribute to poor solid waste management in small scale
businesses in Huruma. It involved the assessment of the level of awareness among the small scale
businesses. It also set to find out whether there are suitable measures taken by the small scale
business owners to improve their surrounding environment.
A sample size of 300 was randomly selected using cluster method for the study. Data collection
tools included interviews, questionnaires and observations. Analysis was done using quantitative
methods such as Chi-Squire tests and tabulation as well as qualitative methods. The study
findings were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed
into themes categories and presented in narrative as they were found in the field.
The study results showed that solid waste in Huruma is disposed in a number of ways such as
throwing on the roads and on open grounds. Results further showed that due to financial
constraints most people in Huruma cannot afford private garbage collection services and this was
found to have impacted negatively on the,enviromental status of Huruma, The study concluded
that solid waste management in the area of study is a major problem and it's due to lack of
appropriate planning in solid waste management, inadequate political will and governance, poor
technology and weak enforcement of existing legislation among others.
The researcher therefore recommends that there is need to encourage recycling of solid waste that
cannot decompose. The government should reduce taxes imposed on solid waste recyclers and
even lower the fees imposed on obtaining recycling licences. Awareness on proper solid waste
management should be incorporated into the education curriculum.
Citation
A Project Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in Environmental Planning and Management University of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi Environmental Planning and Management, University of Nairobi