Municipal solid waste management: contribution and challenges of private solid waste management companies in Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

Title: Municipal solid waste management: Contribution and challenges of private solid waste management companies in Nairobi County, Kenya Introduction: Solid waste management is a major public health and environmental concern in urban areas of developing countries. The study was carried out to understand the current scenario of solid waste management by private companies in Nairobi, Kenya. Without an effective and efficient solid waste management program, the waste generated from various human activities result in health hazards and have a negative impact on the environment. Inadequate solid waste collection leads to dumping of waste in rivers, open spaces and on roads. Poorly disposed waste is a breeding site for vectors and insects like rats and houseflies. Decomposing organic waste release leachate which pollutes ground and surface water bodies. In addition, spilt garbage causes foul odor and traffic congestion when dumped on narrow roads. Main Objective: To assess the contribution and challenges of private solid waste management companies in Nairobi County. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among managers of private solid waste management companies in Nairobi County. The study adopted a quantitative data collection method approach. The sample size was fifty four (54) managers, forty four (44) mangers responded to the questionnaire representing 81% response rate. The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data was analysed and descriptive statistics was used to report the frequency and percentage distributions, as well as the mean for the study variables and presented in the form of tables, bar graphs, as well as pie charts. xv Results: The study established that 80% of the solid waste management workforce is made up of men. The study established that the private companies operated in high and middle income areas such as Westlands (63.3%) and Dagoretti (77.3%) constituencies. Ninety five (95%) of solid waste companies collect household waste while 2% collect medical waste. The most commonly owned waste transportation vehicle is the high-sided open-top vehicle that was owned by twenty eight (64%) companies. The most commonly used solid waste disposal method is dumping at a dumpsite (98%) and the most used dumpsite is the Dandora dumpsite (98%) followed by Mavoko dumpsite (5%). Lack of access to capital to start up, buy and maintain vehicles and equipment was a challenge (66.7%) and lack of enforcement of solid waste management laws by local government of the companies (64.3%) were the leading challenges faced by the companies. Discussion by Objectives: The study established that waste collection by private waste management companies is concentrated in the high income areas. It further established that the vehicles used in waste transportation such as pick-ups are not the recommended type of vehicles. The study further established that dumping in Dandora open dumpsite is the common waste disposal method. Conclusion: The study found out that the solid waste management process by private companies in Nairobi is similar to other African cities. Solid waste collection by private companies mainly concentrated in the middle and high income areas, leaving the low income areas unattended. The study established that the private companies were using unsuitable vehicles for waste collection such as pick-ups. The study further established that safer methods of disposal such as use of sanitary landfills were nonexistent. The most common challenge of private companies was lack of access to capital to buy and maintain vehicles. xvi Recommendations: The Nairobi City County and the National Environment Management Authority should develop strategies for waste collection in low income areas. They two bodies should monitor and enforce the use of the recommended solid waste transportation vehicles. In addition, credit facilities should provide low interest rate loans to private waste management companies to enable them purchase and maintain vehicles.