Towards Resource Recovery, Reuse, Reducing and Recycling of Solid Waste in Nairobi County: a Case Study of Roysambu Sub-County

Abstract

Solid waste management practices such as resource recovery, reduction; reuse and recycling (4R‟s) have emerged mainly to minimize the negative impacts to the environment. These practices have faced various challenges despite the written support provided in policies and laws of Kenya. Using Roysambu sub-county as case study, the study sought to examine impediments to 4R‟s. The research was based on survey design which targeted households, garbage collecting companies and the county government. The study adopted stratified random sampling technique to arrive at a sample population of 383 respondents, which was determined by calculating the target population of 127,519 with 95% confidence level and error of 0.05. The specific objectives were to determine factors impeding sorting of solid waste at household level, to establish the willingness of garbage collectors in engaging in 4R‟s promotion and to determine gaps in policy and institutional arrangements that hinder successful adoption of 4R‟s in Roysambu Sub-county. To achieve this, the researcher undertook household surveys, key informants and focus group discussions. The study found that unavailability of waste sorting facilities (24%), limited knowledge (20%) and incentives in waste sorting (21%), irresponsibility to sorting waste (18%) and lack of understanding the value of waste as a resource (17%) were the key factors causing inability to practice waste sorting at household level. Results further revealed that the county government does not explicitly promote garbage collectors engaged in 4R‟s because it does not consider the garbage collectors capacity in waste handling. Compounded by lack infrastructure, existing policy and institutional loopholes have resulted to weak enforcement strategies that hinder 4R‟s. Nonetheless, the study found that incentives such as reduction in cost of garbage collection fees can be mainstreamed into policy if markets for waste resources are made available. In view of this, the study recommends increased public participation, education and awareness, more importantly focusing on how to sort waste, value of waste and available markets where recovered waste can be sold. License acquisition should be more stringent in a manner that would allow garbage collectors to only operate if 4R‟s are incorporated as a key component of their activities.