Association of solid waste management and development of Kisumu City-Kenya

Abstract

Historically, waste has been viewed as a problem and not a resource that can offer economic opportunity. If properly managed as a resource, waste recovery and recycling can create new jobs and attract new investment in a diversified waste sector. Solid waste management is a local issue with global implications. As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the amount of waste produced. In 2015, the world generated 2 billion metric tons of solid waste. This figure is expected to grow to 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050. In low-income countries, the amount of waste is expected to increase by more than three times by 2050. The composition and amount of solid waste being generated in Kisumu has been on the increase of 400 tons generated daily. This can partly be attributed to changing urban lifestyles. The objectives of the study were: to examine solid waste management strategies and their effect on development of Kisumu City; to analyze the role of stakeholder participation in solid waste management in Kisumu city; and to evaluate the influence of public participation on solid waste management and its impact on development of Kisumu City. This study is anchored on Cradle-to-Cradle theory by William McDonough. In relation to this study, the theory explains the cycle of use-waste-pollute, which suggests that certain products could be re-used endlessly to make similar products (cradle to cradle), rather than recycled into lower grade products until the last stop is a landfill (cradle to grave). The study was carried out in Kisumu Central Sub-County from which the target population was obtained. The study utilized qualitative research method where exploratory research design and purposive sampling were used in selecting respondents for the study. During the study, 42 household respondents were interviewed from both Nyalenda, and airport area. 4 waste enterprise representatives, 2 private garbage collectors, 3 environment representatives and an area leader from Nyalenda. The ultimate sample size that was determined during the study upon saturation of information. These estates were purposely selected as they are proximally located near the shores of Lake Victoria and also, to determine how households within these localities manage their waste to avoid contamination of Lake Victoria. Qualitative data collection methods used were; InDepth interviews, open-ended household questionnaire and observation. Data collected was transcribed and analysed thematically guided by identified themes of Solid Waste Management Strategies, Role of stakeholders in SWM, and influence of public participation. A broad general finding is that there is need for more awareness and sensitization on waste segregation at source. Hence, as a role of the stakeholders, through Public-Private Partnership, the County government should work collaboratively with private stakeholders to enhance public participation through frequent community trainings that will lead to local ownership of the neighborhood projects. It was also realized that active community participation leads to increased capacity to handle environmental issues. The government is the main beneficiary in cost sharing in solid waste management as it fulfills its mandate of ensuring sustainable development.