A framework for sustainable e-waste management in Kenya: the case of ICT

Abstract

This study focuses on the Responsibilities of various stakeholders in e-waste management in Kenya, how the various stakeholders dispose of e-waste and challenges they face. It further explores how other countries namely Switzerland, South Africa and India manage e-waste and what lessons Kenya can learn. It explores the background to e-waste problem and how it impacts on human health and environment. E-waste poses serious negative health and environmental impacts. In spite of this, e-waste generated in Kenya is not properly managed. This study outlines and examines e-waste disposal practices by various stakeholders in Kenya and challenges they face. It also examines the responsibilities of various stakeholders in e-waste management in Kenya. Chapter 3 presents the research methodology used. Data for this study was collected using questionnaires, interviews and discussions with key policy officers in government agencies, recyclers, producers, consumers and collectors in Nairobi. Additionally secondary data was collected from review of literature. In Kenya no policies and procedures were found to be in place to enable the management of electronic waste whereas these were present in Switzerland. In Kenya gaps were identified in awareness levels, technology to manage e-waste, e-waste financing, collection, disposal, ewaste policy and collaboration. It was found that Kenya does not have clearly laid out strategies for managing electronic waste whereas such strategies do exist in Switzerland. Amongst the three countries, Switzerland emerged as a good model of a country that has updated its legal provision to enable the management of electronic waste. In India e-waste management systems has organically developed from the informal sector and has created employment opportunities and income. In spite of the challenges faced, South Africa has taken great strides towards developing policies, procedures, strategies and legislation for the management of electronic waste. Kenya is seen as lagging behind in these areas.