MST-Department of Environmental Planning and Management
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Browsing MST-Department of Environmental Planning and Management by Author "Kamau, P. K."
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Item An assessment of existing e-waste management systems in institutions of learning in Ruiru Subcounty, Kiambu County(Kenyatta University, 2014) Kaloki, Nicholus N.; Kamau, P. K.; Mong’are, C. O.The usefulness of ICT has led to an overwhelming elastic demand for electronics most computing devices such as mobile phones and computers. Individuals, learning institutions and government institutions worldwide are adopting ICTs at a fast pace. Widespread consumption has resulted into huge amounts of Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) or e-waste generated from non-usable or old electronics. E-waste management in developing countries is one of the least revised environmental topics. In recent times however the subject is getting research limelight from scholars. This study aimed at enhancing the existing e-waste management practice in institutions of learning in Kenya through systematic investigation of the current circulation, usage, handling and management of WEEE. This study evaluated the existing policy, institutional and regulatory framework on E-waste, the type and quantity of e-waste generated by institutions of learning in Ruiru sub county, the methods currently employed in e-waste disposal and recommend strategies that may be used to improve management of e-waste by the institutions. It explored the background to e-waste, and disposal practices in institutions of learning as key producers of e-waste and challenges they face. The study investigated the role of institutions of learning and Kenyan Authorities in combating electronic waste menace. It further looked at the Government’s lack of enforcement of existing laws dealing with e-waste management, the legislative bodies that are concerned in management of e-waste and furthermore account for the chemicals and hazardous substances in e-waste and the impacts they can have on the environment and human health. The Data for this study was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and discussions with key policy officers in government agencies, institutions of learning and collectors in Ruiru sub county. Secondary data was collected from review of literature. Data acquired was analyzed using SPSS and excel programs and illustrated where possible to draw conclusions. A Framework of integrated waste management was used to ensure e-waste is managed in a strategic way that leads to an e-waste management approach that could exist in a sustainable society. Data analysis revealed that institutions of learning are among the largest producers of e-waste such as Computers, typewriters, printers, Power cables, photocopier, TV sets, radios, projectors ,desk phone, audio mixers , binding machines, microphones, UPS, video switcher, video cameras, still cameras, CCTVs; however none of the sampled institutions had an e-waste management policy or a defined method of e-waste management. 40% of them disposed of their waste with general waste without prior separation while 40% simply stored it and 18% gave it to scrap dealers. The level of awareness on e-waste was low especially it’s environmental and health effects at 25 % and 23% respectively. 68% of institutions were willing to give out their e-waste for free. 32% percent who were willing to sell or give it out but with conditions of free pick up at 60%, guarantee of proper disposal at3%, 28% if the law required them to and 10% would give it out if they were sure it was of no value to them. This revealed a high investment potential in E-waste recycling sector. The highly anticipated Governments free laptop program is likely to compound the e-waste steam management in primary schools spread all over Kenya if proper mechanisms of handling the resultant stream of waste are not put in place. Kenya lacks an e-waste specific policies but the government recognizes the challenges posed by e-waste and has already come up with draft regulations on E-waste due for adoption. The study recommends that e-waste specific policies and regulations be developed to govern e-waste from the production, importation, collection, transport, recycling and disposal. A proper National and institutional collection system needs to be developed and consumer sensitization and awareness increased.Item Challenges and prospects for sustainable water supply for Kajiado town, Kajiado County(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mukindia, Josphat Mutuma; Kamau, P. K.; Mong’are, C. OKajiado town, the County headquarters for Kajiado County which is classified as semi-arid area, lacks adequate water supply systems. The town had a projected population of 16,003 in 2013 (KNBS, 2010) but no functional municipal water supply system. There is no permanent river near the town and the town has a formation with poor aquifer such that even bore holes have low water yields. Water is sold at an exorbitant price given that a twenty (20) litre jerry can cost on average K.shs 10 which translates to K.shs 500 per m3 compared to Water Services Regulatory Board tariff of K.shs 35 per m3. The objectives of this study was to review the Policy, Legal and Institutional framework for water supply in Kenya, evaluate the existing water supply systems in the town, establish the water demand and opportunities for a sustainable water supply such as an integrated water supply plan for Kajiado Town. There was an apparent lack of statutory way of prioritizing allocation of water resources as evidenced by diversion of water from Norturesh – Athi River – Kajiado pipeline for irrigation even when domestic demand has not been met. It was established that Olekejuado Water and Sewerage Company has a weak technical and resource capacity to meet the water demand for the town which is estimated to be 1387.76m3/day in 2014 and is projected to be 1460.77m3/day, 1959.96m3/day and 2783.62m3/day in 2016, 2026 and 2036. Both national and county government need to put in place water policies and legislations to guide and accelerate water supply services. A reservoir can be constructed along Olekejuado River to harvest surface run off like the case of Maruba dam in Machakos County. Further exploration of ground water needs to be carried out and establish locations with potential for high yielding bore holes which can be developed to supplement harvesting surface run off.Item The potential impact of railway infrastructure on connectivity within Nairobi metropolitan- a case of Limuru Town (Kiambu County)(Kenyatta University, 2014) Kinuthia, Hannah W.; Kirui, Allan Isaac; Kamau, P. K.This study finds ground from the fact that railway infrastructure provide effective transport and plays a significant role in enhancing and improving urban growth and urban dynamics. Railway transport is the second most-used mode of transport after roads in Kenya, for both freight and passenger traffic. It has been argued that improvement of this mode of transport in Kenya would boost the economic performance of business enterprises which would in turn contribute to social economic growth of the country. Railway infrastructure encompasses different type of trains such as Mass Rapid Transit System and Light Rail Transit, railway stations, and railroads. This infrastructure is needed to provide services for a rapidly expanding Nairobi including significant growth in satellite towns and areas outside the city periphery. Potential benefits of effective rail way infrastructure include improved air quality, reduced travel costs, reduced traffic congestion and economic savings in time and fuel. Connectivity in transport implies increased pedestrian convenience, efficiency in freight transportation, reduced environmental pollution, enhanced land use patterns and increased socio-economic opportunities of a place. The study focuses on potential impact of railway infrastructure on improving connectivity within Nairobi metropolitan, effect of policy and regulatory framework on railway transport, and challenges affecting railway infrastructure in Kenya. The sampling frame for the area of study comprised a number of institutions, users of railway network, residents and the business community in Limuru town. Primary data will be collected through survey of the study area, direct observation guides, personal interviews schedules and structured questionnaires were among instruments used in data collection exercise. This study underscores the need to evolve a plan that will provide a framework for effective planning and management of railway infrastructure in the Nairobi Metropolitan. It is strongly recommended that a comprehensive approach be employed in the planning and management of railway infrastructure. This approach wins support as it brings all stakeholders on board to plan and manage the rail infrastructure. In order to achieve this it is necessary to initiate, develop and sustain public-private partnership, railway infrastructure enhancement programmes and institutional capacity building.Item Sustainable management of Rail land: a case study of Nairobi Commuter Rail Network(Kenyatta University, 2014) Kiarie, Pauline Wambui; Kamau, P. K.This study examined ways through which Rail Land can be managed in a sustainable manner within the commuter rail network in Nairobi. Even though the term sustainable management and development have existed and been used among planners, administrators and politicians during the last 24 years, the actual development has shown that we have not been able to change the negative tendencies of increased pollution and emissions, larger material and energy consumption and lack of consideration of the environment and ecosystems caused by improper Rail Land use. This study aimed at addressing the gaps in the current literature related to the sustainable management of Rail Land in Kenya. By applying the Global Land Project (GLP) framework, the contributions of various factors to sustainable management of Rail Land were examined independently. In addition, interviews were conducted in order to examine direct and indirect effects of sustainable management of Rail Land to the areas covered by the Nairobi Commuter Rail network, investigate various challenges that hinder sustainable management of Rail Land, and determine the priority needs of the commuters and stakeholders as far as mass transit rail system is concerned. The findings of the study show that successful and sustainable management of urban railways systems would improve the city structure and design, growth of personal means of transport, urbanization and long term planning strategies, urban security, social, economic and political stability. This can only be achieved if the rail is properly managed and integrated within the urban development plans.Item Sustainable Residential Neighborhood Planning, A Case Study Of Burandogo Village Taveta Constituency(Kenyatta University, 2014) Mwangi, Susan Nyokabi; Kamau, P. K.; Getao, C. M.Urbanisation and population growth have led to impact that increasingly deplete the natural resources and threaten the existence of the ecosystem. This has led to an increased awareness that the development of land use should be well managed in order to be sustainable. Improvement of housing for the Kenyan population is a major concern to the Government. In its commitment to improved housing the Government of Kenya introduced a National Housing Policy that comprehensively addresses the shelter problem. Given the average household size of 4 persons from the 1999 national Population and Housing Census, there are about 750,000 households in urban areas and 1,500,000 households in the rural areas that need to be housed. With such information the Government aimed to facilitate an annual output of 150,000 housing units in urban areas and 300,000 units in rural areas in the next five years in order to be able to meet that demand (National Housing Policy, 2004). As people were settling in Burandogo there was no planning that was done to ascertain that the neighbourhood has all the social amenities required, this could be to due to the fact the some of the residents settled there as squatters a form of informal settlement that does not consider planning aspects. The housing tenure of the area is mostly tenancy and ownership with tenancy being the most common housing tenure system in the area. With tenancy most tenants pay rent which most of them considered the rent charges as being affordable to them. Some of the physical planning requirements were not adhered to in the neighbourhood for instance the area was not served with an efficient storm water drainage system. The area lacks all weather and well articulated access roads, no properly constructed market place, and poor solid waste management, lacks a sewerage system, lack sufficient and efficient sanitation facilities, security enforcement personnel and schools. The areas that the residents mostly advocated for their improvement include water supply, security, sanitation, storm water drainage and the introduction of a health facility. The demand of housing still far outstrips supply due to the high rate of urbanization, increased poverty, escalation of housing costs and the lack of a clear government initiative towards the same.