Influence of waste management practices on natural environment conservation in Kenya: a case of slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga county
Abstract
The title of the study is the influence of waste management practices on natural environment
conservation in the slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County.The objectives of the study were:
To identify the influence of waste source reduction management practices on natural
environment conservation in the slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To explore the
influence of waste recycling management practices on natural environment conservation in
slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To determine the influence of waste energy recovery
management practices on natural environment in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To
examine the influence of waste disposal management practices on natural environment
conservation in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. The design of the study was descriptive
research. The target population was 204 staff members from 51 slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga
County. The sample size was 75 subjects determined byKrejcie& Morgantablebut a total of
65 subjects were interviewed. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The data
collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results were
presented through frequencies and percentages. The information was displayed by use of
tables. The study findings indicated that waste management practices influence the natural
environment conservation in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. The study recommends
that waste source reduction practices,though already implemented in many slaughterhouses,
need to be revamped by new technology, better management plans and well trained staff. The
study recommends that variety of waste recycling practices need to be introduced. The study
also recommends that the staff and the owners of slaughterhouses should be provided with
the necessary information on waste energy recovery practices. On waste disposal practices
the study recommends that technology and funds are very necessary in order to encourage
modern waste disposal practices like landfills and combustion.Although a high number of
slaughterhouses are in private hands, the County Governments and NEMA need to take more
responsibility in orienting owners and staff of slaughterhouses in the relevant waste
management practices.More studies can be carried out in the following areas: The dynamics
surrounding waste management practices need to be fully established so that they can be
implemented in the best way. This study was done in Kirinyaga County. A similar study may
be replicated in all Counties in Kenya so as to reach to a clearer picture of waste management
practices in the slaughterhouses and promote natural environment conservation. Similar study
needs to be conducted in other industries and urban centres in Kenya. A study to investigate
why majority of slaughterhouses are turning to private partnerships.
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Publisher
University of Nairobi