Factors Contributing to Poor Solid Waste Management in Small Scale Businesses in Nairobi: a Case Study of Huruma

Abstract

The study investigated factors that contribute to poor solid waste management in small scale businesses in Huruma. It involved the assessment of the level of awareness among the small scale businesses. It also set to find out whether there are suitable measures taken by the small scale business owners to improve their surrounding environment. A sample size of 300 was randomly selected using cluster method for the study. Data collection tools included interviews, questionnaires and observations. Analysis was done using quantitative methods such as Chi-Squire tests and tabulation as well as qualitative methods. The study findings were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed into themes categories and presented in narrative as they were found in the field. The study results showed that solid waste in Huruma is disposed in a number of ways such as throwing on the roads and on open grounds. Results further showed that due to financial constraints most people in Huruma cannot afford private garbage collection services and this was found to have impacted negatively on the,enviromental status of Huruma, The study concluded that solid waste management in the area of study is a major problem and it's due to lack of appropriate planning in solid waste management, inadequate political will and governance, poor technology and weak enforcement of existing legislation among others. The researcher therefore recommends that there is need to encourage recycling of solid waste that cannot decompose. The government should reduce taxes imposed on solid waste recyclers and even lower the fees imposed on obtaining recycling licences. Awareness on proper solid waste management should be incorporated into the education curriculum.