Factors influencing e-waste management in Kenya: a case of mobile phones disposal in Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

As technology quickly evolves and new products are outdated almost as soon as they are available for purchase, the need for proper and safe disposal of electronics is apparent. As we become more dependent on electronic products to make life more convenient, the stockpile of used, obsolete products grow. When old electronics are thrown into a landfill, it creates a new problem of electronic waste because most of the devices are made with a huge number of chemicals that make disposing of this electronic waste a challenge. Certain materials, particularly metals, in electronic devices can be salvaged and recycled, and proper handling of electronics ensures that no harmful materials such as lead will contaminate our landfills or water supply. According to United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), it is estimated that 17,000 tons of used computers and mobile phones are shipped to Kenya every year, adding to the e-waste generated by the new electronic goods that Kenyans are already buying. The uniqueness of e-waste problem in Kenya is that e-Waste is relatively new and its quantities are rapidly growing as technology becomes more common. Finding ways to improve e-waste management has become a priority for the Kenyan government. Kenya currently like most developing countries does not have policies and legal frameworks that guides on management of e-waste. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya has now put in place a draft e-Waste Management Regulations, which, when gazetted, will provide an appropriate legal and institutional framework and mechanisms for the handling, collection, transportation, recycling and safe disposal of E-waste This study was guided by the main objective which is to investigate the Factors that influence e-waste management in Kenya. The research design that was utilized was a cross sectional survey .The study was carried out in Nairobi County and the target population was the consumers of Telecommunication, manufacturer’s service centers, Regulatory body’s e.g NEMA KEBS and CCK, and the County Council of Nairobi (CCN). The study utilized both the primary and the secondary data. Primary data was collected using the questionnaire and was analyzed using the SPSS v 20. This was a clear indication that a sizeable portion of the respondents were ignorant on the potential dangers of toxic substances from the e-waste from the obsolete phones. Majority of the respondents would not sell obsolete mobile phone to the waste collectors or give it for free while only a few would give them out to waste collectors for safe disposal. On the action that would facilitate e-waste management on mobile phones, majority of the respondents looked forward to an increase in the scope of the municipal councils to collect the e-waste. They also cited the absence of recycling solutions, as the main obstacles in e-waste management on mobile phones. The government should be at the forefront in public education on the hazardous effects of retaining e-wastes. The mandated organizations should be disposing the e-waste safely and also facilitate by providing the incentives of proper disposal of obsolete mobile phones. Also the manufacturers, retailers and distributors should be at the fore front in collection of the obsolete phones. There should be convenient collection points countrywide as this would enhance effective and efficient collection of obsolete mobile phones.