Factors influencing effective management of electronic waste: a case of cyber cafes in Nairobi central business district, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the factors influencing effective management of electronic waste with particular focus on cyber cafes in Nairobi Central Business District. The study sought to increase understanding, enlighten and create public awareness about the problem of e waste. It further provided an emphasis on use of environmentally sound management of hazardous waste as stipulated in the Basel convention. Through the study, it is expected that proper understanding of e waste management could be a source of employment opportunities for the youth. The purpose of this study therefore was to examine factors contributing to effective management of e waste. The study sought to accomplish the objectives of ; determining the extent to which the availability of financial resources, public awareness influences effective management of electronic waste by cyber cafes in Nairobi CBD, assessing the extent to which existing regulatory framework influences effective management of e waste by cybercafés in Nairobi’s Central Business District and establishing the extent to which availability of relevant technology influences effective management of electronic waste by cyber cafes in Nairobi CBD. The study used a descriptive survey design to accomplish its objectives. The target population of the study was the licensed cyber café shops operating within Nairobi CBD as demarcated by Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, Moi Avenue and University Way. The study used random sampling to identify 168 cyber cafes to participate in the study. The study used primary data sources which were obtained using questionnaires and secondary sources through review of relevant literature. The qualitative data generated was analyzed by the use of content data analysis and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviation. The response rate for this study was 76.8%. On period of operation, a third has operated their cybercafés for a period of 5-6 years. A proportion of 26.36% have been in operation for 3-4 years, while 22.48% have operated the cybercafés for over 6 years. With regard to the management of electronic and electric waste and the results of data analysis, Kenya has inadequate financial resources to manage electronic waste. In addition to these, the public are not well versed with such waste. Technology and technical skills of dealing with e waste such as recovering valuable items from computer systems and presence of refurbishing systems in Kenya are unavailable. The result of these is resale of obsolete or almost end of life electronic and electrical appliances as one of the ways to deal with e-waste. The study recommended that, the government through legislation should come up with laws that specify handling of e-waste in Kenya. In addition, it also recommended special bins, fixed or mobile, to be put in place so that, end-of life appliances can be safely disposed and to make it easier to manage the waste unlike when mixed with daily household garbage. Further study can be done to investigate the role of government on managing e-waste in Kenya. In addition, another study can be undertaken to analyse effectiveness of policies controlling importation and donation of second-hand electrical and electronic appliances.