Influence of waste management practices on natural environment conservation in Kenya: a case of slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga county

Abstract

The title of the study is the influence of waste management practices on natural environment conservation in the slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County.The objectives of the study were: To identify the influence of waste source reduction management practices on natural environment conservation in the slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To explore the influence of waste recycling management practices on natural environment conservation in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To determine the influence of waste energy recovery management practices on natural environment in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. To examine the influence of waste disposal management practices on natural environment conservation in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. The design of the study was descriptive research. The target population was 204 staff members from 51 slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. The sample size was 75 subjects determined byKrejcie& Morgantablebut a total of 65 subjects were interviewed. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The results were presented through frequencies and percentages. The information was displayed by use of tables. The study findings indicated that waste management practices influence the natural environment conservation in slaughterhouses in Kirinyaga County. The study recommends that waste source reduction practices,though already implemented in many slaughterhouses, need to be revamped by new technology, better management plans and well trained staff. The study recommends that variety of waste recycling practices need to be introduced. The study also recommends that the staff and the owners of slaughterhouses should be provided with the necessary information on waste energy recovery practices. On waste disposal practices the study recommends that technology and funds are very necessary in order to encourage modern waste disposal practices like landfills and combustion.Although a high number of slaughterhouses are in private hands, the County Governments and NEMA need to take more responsibility in orienting owners and staff of slaughterhouses in the relevant waste management practices.More studies can be carried out in the following areas: The dynamics surrounding waste management practices need to be fully established so that they can be implemented in the best way. This study was done in Kirinyaga County. A similar study may be replicated in all Counties in Kenya so as to reach to a clearer picture of waste management practices in the slaughterhouses and promote natural environment conservation. Similar study needs to be conducted in other industries and urban centres in Kenya. A study to investigate why majority of slaughterhouses are turning to private partnerships. vii