Influence of solid waste management on environmental management in low-income residentials areas of Kisumu Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

Solid waste management comprises the functions of generation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of solid waste with the objectives of protecting the health of the population, promotion of environmental quality, supporting economic productivity and generation of employment and income. The achievement of these objectives requires sustainable systems which are adapted to and carried by the municipality and its local communities. Most municipalities often fail to adapt systems which are necessary to improve their existing waste management methods despite the fact that population growth rates and the socio economic status of the population affect waste generation rates and compositions and thereby affecting the related management functions. Mainstream environmental management in the Kisumu Municipality seems not to serve low-income areas of Kisumu Municipality.

This study therefore focused on the low-income residential areas of Kisumu Municipality that feature rapid population growth and where planning with respect to solid waste management seems to have been ignored. The study examined these residential areas in terms of the socio-economic conditions of their populations, physical infrastructure, waste generation rates and waste characteristics with a view to creating ground for appropriate solid waste management approaches. In doing this, the study used quantitative surveys, physical observations and measurements. Simple Random sampling was used to select 384 households for the survey. Physical measurements of waste characteristics were collected over a period of 7 days. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS as a tool to assist in data analysis.

The study found that there is a close relationship between low-income residential area factors and Solid Waste Management practices. It also found that the Municipality Council of Kisumu is ill equipped to manage solid waste effectively. The study made recommendations on ways that the Municipality Council of Kisumu can implement safe Solid Waste Management practices and employ a more integrated approach to Solid Waste Management. It is hoped that this research will be useful to those involved in planning Solid Waste Management and Environmental Management in the Municipal Council of Kisumu as well as local authorities in other parts of Kenya and in other developing countries.