Factors influencing management of liquid waste in kenyan urban centres: the case of Machakos Town, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that influence liquid waste management in urban areas in Kenya, the case of Machakos Town. It was guided by four objectives; to establish the extent to which funding of sewerage projects influences management of liquid waste in Machakos town; to establish the extent to which adoption of modern technology influences management of liquid waste in Machakos Town; to investigate how level of training of personnel influences management of liquid waste in Machakos Town, Machakos County; and to establish how physical town developmental planning influences management of liquid waste. Descriptive survey design was employed under which questionnaire method was used in data collection from the staff of Machakos Water and Sewerage Company were the main target population. The data was manually edited, coded and analysed using mainly descriptive statistics and inferential statistics that was done with the help of Excel and SPSS. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient analysis was used to establish the association and relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The research results were presented in percentages and tables. The major findings of this study was that there is significant relationship between financing of liquid waste management projects, use of appropriate technology, training of personnel and physical urban planning, and quality liquid waste management. The study therefore recommends that proper urban development maps be drawn before any development projects are initiated to ensure there is proper liquid waste management plan in place.