Waste Management in Higher Education Institutions: a Case Study of University of Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the waste management in higher education institutions with specific reference to the University of Nairobi. The study was guided by the following research objectives: To establish and characterise waste streams generated at the University of Nairobi; to investigate the waste management practices at the University of Nairobi; to establish the level of awareness on waste management policies and legal frameworks, among students and staff of the University of Nairobi, and to establish the challenges faced by the University of Nairobi in managing its waste. The study utilised multi-stage random sampling design to obtain the relevant data. The sample selected for this study consists of 150 students and 50 members of staff of the University of Nairobi (UON), totalling to 200 individuals drawn from the campuses. A mix of stratified and simple random procedure was used to select a representative sample of students who participated in the study. Primary data were mainly obtained through field interviews were carried out through the administration of the questionnaires to the students and staff of University of Nairobi (UON). Secondary data was obtained from both the published and unpublished sources. Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The analysis of the data enabled the researcher to come up with the following major findings: University of Nairobi has a diversified waste streams although it mainly consists of liquid and solid wastes; awareness of waste management practices at the UON did not translate to implementation of the practices; lack of awareness of the existing legal and institutional frameworks governing waste management by staff and students at the UON is a major hindrance to their contribution to sustainable waste management. The study recommended that: There is need for policy frameworks within institutions of higher learning to address the various aspects of waste management; There is need for policy makers to create awareness among various stakeholders on the existence of various policies of waste management and the various interventions therein.