Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Policy Framework on Solid Waste Management in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Waste management is problematic world over and it is the greatest hurdle for municipal governments within the urban areas to manage due to rapid population growth which increases generation of waste. Solid wastes are generated by all types of human engagement as a result of industrial, social and domestic activities. Waste if not properly managed within the urban settlements / cities, impacts on public health and the general environment. Solid waste specifically causes pollution of surface and ground water, blockage of drains and streams resulting to flooding. The general objective of the study was assessing the effectiveness of the policy framework on solid waste management within institutional, financial, technical and regulatory facets, using the case of Nairobi City County. The theoretical framework was based on institutional and capacity building theories where the multi – tier pillars of institutions and all the elements influence sustainable solid waste management system and empowering individuals, communities and institutions, expected to perform their functions and solve problems. Theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and socio ecological theories (TSET) helped to examine human behaviours because people are always at the centre of any environmental activities. The conceptual framework assumed that within institutional, financial, technical and regulatory facets are dependent on existing governance instruments (laws, regulations and policies) and their levels of implementation, public perceptions and awareness, attitudes and practices and compliance. The study adopted a mixed study design and data was collected using surveys, through structured questionnaires, using a mobile based geo-referenced data management system called KMacho. This involved initial coding of the questionnaire for uploading into the system for data collection. Data was then collected using mobile phones installed with the application. This was collaborated with key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussion (FDG) and spatial satellite geo-spatial images. Random sampling was used to select focus group discussion and key informant interview groups, because any member of a group has an equal chance of being selected. The survey design was considered more efficient since it is convenient data with high level of accuracy in representing a large population. The collection method has good statistical significance and provides precise results. The sample size in this study included 385 households. The sample was determined using stratified sampling procedure. They were randomly selected

and to minimized biasness, a systematic random sampling within the estates was done and the subject units were either male or female household heads. Purposive sampling was used to collect data on the spatial extent of illegal dumping sites. This data was generated from high resolution satellite images of 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2017 which identified dumping sites which were selected based on their spatial resolution characteristics and their spatial coverage. Majority of the respondents 291 out of 385 (76%) were aware of what makes the environment clean or dirty, were aware of the policies and regulations on solid waste management and how it can influence their behaviour on the way they handled their generated waste. However, majority of 62% agreed that the enforcement of these policies has not been carried out properly, as opposed to 36% of respondents who indicated that there is a problem in relation to the implementation of these policies. Majority, 269 out of 385 (69%) were willing to comply with the policies on segregation of waste and the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle), but there were poor structures in place to empower them, thus the negative attitude portrayed by the public towards solid waste management through the culture of indiscriminate littering and lack of environmental ethics and values. This was confirmed by majority of the respondents, 254 out of 385 (66%) who agreed that public awareness needs to be conducted more on SWM by NCC. This provide evidence to inform policy decisions that, different policy interventions are required focussing on SWM and the public responsibility and greater management capacity at all levels to enhance a sustainable system