The impact of solid waste challenges on urban Mangement; the case of Garissa Municipality in North-Eastern Kenya

Abstract

This study is a discussion of robust and focused long term strategic planning as method of overcoming serious solid waste disposal in problems in Garissa Municipality. The Primary Research was conducted in Garissa town with research data being gathered by.way of questionnaires and face to face interviews. Additional Research involved the sourcing of information through Libraries, Government and other offices and finally via the internet. The study found out that the Council had failed to discharge its role as the major institution responsible for Solid Waste Management. The data and information gathered confirmed that there was a serious refuse management gap in Garissa that needed bridging, and further diagnose that the root cause of the problems bedevilling the solid waste sector in Garissa is acute lack of strategic planning, and this was identified in literature review and field interviews.

More broadly this study also found that today's approaches to solid waste management generally, were neither· effective nor sustainable, and that current ubiquitous legislation, regulatory and enforcement mechanisms are wanting. This study therefore recommends the creation of coordinated forward-looking management structures to infuse into all facets of solid waste management in Garissa, including waste handling strategies, citizens' education and Re-organization of Garissa Municipal Council.

The study also finds the emergence of a private sector in Garissa can be a welcome relief to the Solid Waste pressure, and advocates entry of a regulated vibrant Private sector and community participation into the Solid Waste industry in Garissa Municipality as a pragmatic move to improve service delivery. Ultimately, the study advocates a more concerted action by the Garissa Municipal Council, Municipal Residents, the Private Sector, Governments departments, and indeed all Actors in the Solid Waste Field and argues that the real culprit is lack of forward and backward looking strategies. It is anticipated this discourse will further contribute to the body of knowledge of Local Authority Planning in Garissa and ensure that the needs of the present generation are met without jeopardizing those of the future generations.