Undergraduate Projects(UG)

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Inadequecies of solid waste management among public, private and community based organisations in Kasarani constituency, Nairobi County
(1014) Wang’ombe, S. Muthoni
Utilization of multimedia playback devices in Kenyatta University and Jomo Kenyatta University Campus Libraries
(Kenyatta University, 2012) Wangai, Mercy Wangui; MR. Peter Wamae
This work focuses on utilization of multimedia resources in Kenyatta University and JKUAT Libraries. The main aim of the research was to investigate the effectiveness of the existing resources in these libraries. The research adopted a descriptive study approach to gather data on utilization of multimedia resources. Authority to conduct the research was sought in the respective Libraries’ questionnaires were issued to 45 students from each library and 6 staff elected randomly. Results obtained were analyzed. Among the key findings of the study were that, the most commonly utilized multimedia resources are the computers, speakers, the screen magnifiers amongst the user's with special needs and the internet. The least used multimedia playback devices are the Mp3 readers, the DVD's and the scanners. Among the key recommendations given were, the library should issue regular evaluation of the resources, individual user orientation to users with special needs and the installation of timing soft wares to
The potential of roof catchment as a flood management strategy at Mavoko sub-county in Machakos County
(2014) Ndonye, Christine Musyawa
The traditional approach for coping with urban flooding has been linear whereby all the rainwater that has fallen over a wide area is conveyed to and managed by sewers or rivers lines. When the carrying capacity is insufficient, possible counter measures are considered only to the line; denoting the upsizing of the sewer, widening of the rivers or increasing the pumping capacity. Due to heavier and unpredictable rainfall, the water conveyance system in the whole sub-county is limited, thus requiring upgrading of another method of containing the excess water. The water management approach worldwide is currently in transition, with a shift evident from purely centralised infrastructure to greater consideration of decentralised technologies, such as rainwater harvesting (RWH). Initiated by recognition of drivers including increasing water demand and increasing risk of flooding, the value of RWH is beginning to filter across the academic-policy boundary. However, in Kenya, implementation of RWH systems is not straight forward due to social and technical barriers, concerns and knowledge gaps exist, which currently restrict its widespread utilisation. (Ward, S., Butler, D., Barr, S. and Memon, F.A. 2009) Rainwater harvesting as a supplementary source of water has not received any serious attention. This research investigates the potential of roof catchment collection, storing and using rainwater in Mavoko sub-county, Machakos County. The importance of this study lies in severe flooding in some areas of Mavoko particularly in its satellite town which are experiencing rapidly population and development growth in the sub-county. So many people are affected when floods occur and furthermore the current water supply system is not adequate to provide enough water for the growing population. vi Mavoko has a tropical climate, with rainy months from March to May and October to December, with approximately 118 days of rain in the year and an annual precipitation of 40 inches (Kenya Meteorology Department, 2011). Considering the chronic water scarcity in the sub-county, a considerable amount of homes have elevated or underground water storage tanks installed to provide water for their daily use. These two observations make rainwater catchment systems a great option to be considered because the approach takes advantage of the opportunities the town’s climate as well as existing infrastructure.
Street Hawking and its Impacts on Nairobi Central Business District Urban Space
(2014) Opari, M. Hussein
This study provides insight into the street hawking phenomenon and evaluates its impact on the Nairobi Central Business District. There is a common saying that “where there is traffic, there is business” which reflects a characteristic of Kenya market hawkers. It is hard to image how hawkers do business. They stand by the street, some of whom carry goods in hand and some on head. Anytime there is traffic, they rush to it and try to sell their goods to people in the vehicles. Owing to this selling methods, pedestrians and drivers can get goods what they need while walking and driving and it saves their time to go to stores or looking for parking place. Therefore street vendors earn good money most of the time. The objectives of this study were to find out the various categories of street hawkers trading in the Nairobi Central Business District, to describe the nature of street trading activities in the Nairobi Central Business District. This study also sought to know the opinion of hawkers as to whether trading activities impact negatively on the Nairobi Central Business District and suggest solutions to these problems. The method used for data collection was questionnaires prepared and administered to hawkers. Also, non-participant observation was done. This study recommends best ways of managing street hawking in the Nairobi CBD.
Impact of Residential Development on Urban Wetlands: The Case of Watiti Wetland, Kangemi Estate, Nairobi County.
(2014) Guto, Stella Nyasuguta
An assessment of factors influencing the choice and adoption of biogas technology among the peri-urban residents of Kisii County
(2014) Bundi, M. Bonnke
Biogas technology in Kenya dates back to the 1957.Efforts to promote the technology in most potential areas had not been effective in the country until May 2007 when the plan for implementation of national biogas energy programme started with the formation of the Kenya Biogas Task Force. Despite the potential and demand the adoption level has been low and on a decreasing rate. The study sought to assess the level of people‘s awareness and attitude towards biogas technology, to explore the root causes of low technology adoption in relation to the efforts so far executed in biogas promotion, to assess the efficacy of biogas technology in comparison to other sources of household energy and sought to explain the roles and challenges stakeholders face in their effort to promote biogas technology in Kisii county. Multi-Stage sampling procedure involving purposive selection of resource persons who have been reached by biogas programmes with the purpose of capturing the experiences of biogas users and potential adopters. The study was conducted in the peri-urban of five town centers in Kisii County namely:Kisii,Sunek,Mosocho,Marani and Kiogoro.The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches in data collection and analysis. A conceptual framework based on the adoption theories guided the analysis of factors influencing biogas adoption. Study findings show that 85.71% of the population was aware of the technology and only 114 units of t in 2007 and 167 units as by 2013 December. Biogas technology adoption has continued to decrease. The decrease has been associated with reduction and subsequent withdrawal of subsidies for biogas plant constructions. Based on the results of factors influencing biogas technology adoption in the area, starting from the most influential to the least are: high installation costs of plants, multiple use of household fuels, level of income and education ,promotion of the technology, and from the experience of biogas users, biogas was very efficient when well maintained and very clean, no health implications were reported though they complained of inadequate combustion efficiency to provide more energy for cooking and inadequate or rather lack of facilities and appliances such as stoves and lamps. There was minimal coordination between stakeholders and lack of a central coordinating body. The study further identified that the government institutions have not fully engaged in promoting biogas technology in the area and instead the responsibility has been left to NGOs without effectual intervention on other factors including information dissemination, access to credits motivation and coordination. Based on the study, the researcher recommends that first the ministry of energy should harmonize the policy on energy and environment so as to uphold biogas technology as an alternative clean green energy, secondly there is need for a central biogas coordinating body at the national and regional level to coordinate and monitor stakeholder roles as well as financial management and also introduce technologies that are cheap such as the plastic tubular design through enhanced research
Safeguarding sanitation in high population density urban settlements: a case study of Kibera slums Nairobi County
(2014) Kitonyi, Humphrey Charles
Sanitation has been a thorny issue especially in many informal settlements all over the world with the third world countries being highly affected. Therefore people living in these affected areas are exposed to these deplorable conditions. Kenya is not spared either and therefore our informal settlements are suffering from myriad of sanitation related problems that are causing slum residents to be unprotected from all manner of exposures. Since there are a lot of underlying factors which are causing the state of poor sanitation in Kibera then this study was natured with the aim of unearthing some of the contributors leading to poor sanitation which have prevented the realization of the dream of a slum with sound sanitation systems. Since inadequacy of water and lack of sanitation facilities and services can be highly blamed for the nature of sanitation, the study further focussed on analysing the depths of these issues keenly and objectively. This was done so as to come up with sustainable solutions that will help alleviate poverty as well as promote environmental sanity which is key in promoting the standards of living of Kibera residents in addition to health of the slum dwellers. The stakeholders‟ roles will be analysed to evaluate their contribution to solving the sanitation menace. Ultimately, recommendations and an action plan are provided with the view of seeking to change the issue of revolving around the status quo and start moving towards the desired quo of sound sanitation.
Management of industrial air polution in industrial area of the Nairobi County
(2014) Benjamin, Sitati M.
The effects of improper management of industrial air pollution are being dramatically demonstrated in most development countries and Kenya has not been left out. Quality of air within industrial areas is daily deteriorating and its effect are becoming evident daily, some gradual, some sudden. This is threatening human livelihood and the environment as a whole. The ever increasing effect on industrial air pollution calls for management strategies and decisions to be made after comprehensive analysis of all relevant factors. Though considerable efforts in management of industrial air pollution have been made, it is still palpable that centralized, progressive and segmental approaches are characterized by several Achilles‟ heels/ flaws and gaps thus are substantially insufficient in addressing industrial air pollution. The episode of such is because there‟s no proper management strategy, insufficient stakeholder participation to handle the issue at hand and lack of profound understanding of the problem. The study analyses the strategies espoused earlier, while determining their successes and failure. This has thus provided a basis for a proper management plan. The study proposes a number of strategies that can be implemented under the new county administration and the national government. Some of the strategies include improved safe technology among industries, improved health and safety preventive measures, implementation of proper laws and legislation and air quality standards among others
Socio- economic benefits and environmental impacts of Thika Road superhighway
(2014) Wanjiku, Eva Muthoni
Road infrastructure is one of the key components of this development. In as much as new roads bring development to previously underdeveloped areas, sometimes this development can cause significant effects on sensitive environments and the lifestyles of the people living near or using the road. The transformation of the road from Nairobi to Thika town into a super highway is one of Kenya‟s first large scale transportation infrastructure projects which albeit its numerous benefits accrued, negative impacts can also be felt. The study aims at improving on the literature on the assessment of developments made in infrastructure in Kenya by investigating the socio-economic and environmental effects of the improvement of the Nairobi – Thika highway. The study finds that development of the road has had various changes to the social, economic and environmental situation of the households and investors/ institutions located along the road. This changes have been mostly positive especially in reference to increased investment opportunities and greater markets but found to be negative in reference to the environment and in specific vegetation and wildlife as most of the areas under study were experiencing unplanned development of small businesses and investments. The researcher recommends the use of environmental impact assessments to be used to a greater extent before the commencement of such projects and monitoring done during the progress of road development projects to reduce loss of wildlife and eco-balance. Policy development is needed for usage of road sections meant for business investments. Further research is also recommended in the regulations pertaining to road development
An assessment of the challenges and opportunities of restoring the Mau Narok forest at Mau Narok division Njoro district, Nakuru county, Kenya.
(2014) Kamau, Peter Waithiru
The Mau Forests Complex (MFC) is considered the most important of the five main watershed areas in Kenya because of its economic, social and environmental contribution to the country. The forest is under increasing threat from irregular and ill‐planned settlements, encroachments and illegal forest resource exploitation. In recent years, the Government of Kenya (GoK) has taken significant steps towards addressing the threat of rapid ecological degradation of its forest resources. A new forest policy and law were adopted in 2005. The forest law has placed significant emphasis on co‐management of forest resources with local communities and the private sector and lays the foundation for the strict control of logging and human settlements. Another major step in addressing this issue was to commence restoration activities of the forests with focus set on Mau Forest. The Mau Narok forest is a part of the Mau Forest Complex where such restoration activities have taken place. The past restoration efforts at the Mau Narok Forest have not been successful evidenced by the massive dying of newly planted trees leading to duplication of reforestation efforts. There is no research study that documents the challenges and the opportunities of restoring the Mau Narok Forest. The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges and opportunities of restoring the forest as the way to improve seedling survival rate. This study was based in Mau Narok Division, and attempted to assess the factors that retard the restoration efforts and also came up with the opportunities that had not been seized. The study was able to unmask most of the challenges and opportunities. Among the challenges, included insufficient funds to undertake the restoration activities fully that specifically involve planting, tendering and protection exercises. In the opportunities, the local community has a great potential to participate fully in the conserving and restoring the Mau Narok Forest.
Impact of open pit artisanal gold mining a case study of Rongo constituency
(2014) Odhiambo, Kelvin Mwango
This research explores the socio-ecological impacts in Rongo district caused by artisanal small scale gold mining. The International LabourOrganisation (ILO) acknowledges gold mining by itinerant miners as the means of livelihood for more than 13 million people in the developing world. Although there are many potential socio-economic benefits of artisanal small scale gold mining, there are numerous negative impacts from these small and inefficient operations as a result of wasteful extraction and processing techniques. Environmentalists and disaster planners face the challenge of regulating the artisanal small scale mining sector to reduce the ecological impacts because of lack of resources since the country is on the verge of hyper inflationary environment. The escalating rate of unemployment is a force behind the increase of artisanal small scale miners, especially in Rongo district. Their unregulated activities in the district result in risk accumulation processes as it promotes land degradation, vegetation destruction, and pollution of water sources. This risk accumulation process if not checked as is the case in Rongo district will put an insurmountable pressure on the ecology resulting in its collapse in future. The unskilled and underequipped artisanal small scale gold miners use mercury for amalgamation as it requires no special skill and is inexpensive, fast and effective. The study used observational fieldwork, archival research, interviews and questionnaires. The research projects found that it was a ticking time bomb for an ecological disaster. The operations were found to be worsening environmental impacts. The negative effects are already being felt in the district as rampant land degradation has contributed to siltation of riversKuja and Migori among other variables, destruction of vegetation as well as contamination of water bodies. The impacts far outweigh the potential socio economic benefits of artisanal small scale mining. There is massive land clearing as by burning of bushes and unregulated stripping of the overburden. The role of the government as enforcers of laws and regulations and promoter of mining development need to be defined. Environmentally destructive mining practices persist as there is lack of enforcement and control mechanisms. On the other hand miners need to take responsibility for the negative impacts from their livelihood. They however need improved access to financial resources and more incentives for conservation.
Impacts of the southern bypass road construction through Ngong forest on the African crowned eagle, Nairobi County
(2014) Wainaina, Lynda Waceke
Forests have numerous economic, social and ecological values. In Kenya most of the forests form vital water catchments for rivers among other ecological services as well as providing a habitat for numerous species of animals. Ngong Forest is an urban forest in Nairobi County that has a wide variety of flora species and serves as a habitat to various animals including birds such as the African Crowned Eagle. This research project aimed at finding out the challenges facing the African Crowned Eagle in Ngong forest as a result of the clearance of sections of the forest to pave way for the construction of the Southern bypass road, which resulted in habitat fragmentation. The study focused on determining how the birds‟ population has been affected as well as the impacts on its breeding grounds and changes in its dietary characteristics. The findings of this study indicate that there are a number of negative impacts that have resulted from the construction of the road through the forest
Impacts of instream sand harvesting on water supply, a case study of river Thwake, Makueni County
(2014) Kivuva, Mutiso
This paper examines the impact of sand harvesting from rivers on the environment, water quality and quantity along Thwake River, Makueni County. Sand acts as a safe aquifer for water flowing below and through it. Removal of sand results in destruction of underground aquifers and loss of safe water. Sand scooping adversely affects surface water quality and quantity and damages the aquatic ecosystem. Haulage of sand by heavy trucks causes environmental degradation by accelerating soil erosion and affecting soil stability. Storage of sand causes destruction of surface areas through clearing of vegetation and uses land that could be used for agriculture. Related social and health problems include prostitution and high school drop-out rate leading to serious social and health problems. The beneficial effects of sand harvesting include local employment; however, the share of monetary benefits to locals is minimal. The results show that the local community gains the least from sand harvesting, but stands to suffer the most if the degradation of the river system continues. Suggestions are made for safe and sustainable methods of managing sand harvesting, in which greater local involvement and stricter enforcement of regulations to protect the environment are vital. Therefore, the protection of water resource from destruction through activities such as sand mining is paramount for the survival of both present and future generations. This research is a survey type of a research and employs quantitative methods of data analysis. Data was presented in form of graphs, tables and charts. The objectives of this research are therefore to identify the impacts of sand mining along River Thwake on both water quality and quantity. It also seeks to identify the social impacts of sand harvesting on the nearby society. This report describes in detail the major impacts both positive and negative of sand mining, and attempts to provide direction on how to resolve the negative impacts of sand mining. This it does through proposals and recommendations advanced later in this report
Potential payment for ecosystem services (pes) scheme in Lake Ol Bolossat Nyandarwa County
(2014) Mburu, Gift Paul
The state of the world’s waters remains fragile and the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to water resource management is as pressing as ever. Available supplies are under great duress as a result of high population growth, unsustainable consumption patterns, poor management practices, pollution, and inadequate investment in infrastructure and low efficiency in water-use. Wetlands which considered biologically diverse areas are sources of water that are also under threat and Lake Ol Bolossat is one of them-It serves as a catchment for Ewaso Nyiro River, the marshes and swamps that form 85% of the lake ecosystem filter and purify the water. The wetland was noted to have been diminishing due to human encroachment and his subsequent activities. Several initiatives have been undertaken in the past to address these issues. However these initiatives have been largely ineffective due to several factors, which include fragmented and sectorial approach in initiation and implementation, limited scope and objective, weak interagency linkages, inadequate stakeholder involvement and lack of a financial structure that funds conservation. The overall weakness has been lack of a framework that integrates and guides these initiatives to achieve the overall environmental conservation and development targets. Researchers argue that of the five mechanisms available for ensuring the provision of ecosystem services – prescription, penalties, persuasion, property rights and payments – only payments are likely to be effective at the global level. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES)-is the practice of offering incentives to farmers or landowners in exchange for managing their land to provide some sort of ecological service. These programs promote the conservation of natural resources in the marketplace and the researcher aimed at determining the potential of establishing a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Scheme in Lake OL Bolossat. A sample size of 60 people and 30 CBOs officials was taken to represent the entire population in the area using proximate representative estimation. Simple random sampling was then used and snowball sampling was used in CBOs interviews to identify the respondents. Findings were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel and represented in the form of bar graphs and pie charts. The study looks forward to giving recommendations on the way forward in the setting up of a PES scheme in the area to help in conserving the ecosystem.
An analysis of how small scale arable farmers are adapting to the impacts of climate variability: a case study of Chisare village in Cherangani, Trans-Nzoia East sub-County
(2014) Mungo, Carol Chepkemoi
Enforcement and Compliance on Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Industries in Thika municipality, Kiambu County
(2014) Kamau, Edward Njuguna
Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) is a cross-disciplinary area concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment. The goal of occupational health and safety programmes is to foster a safe and healthy work environment. As secondary effects, OSH may also protect coworkers, family members, employers, customers, suppliers, nearby communities, and other members of the public who are impacted by the workplace environment as well as reduce medical care, sick leave and disability benefit costs. The lack of effective OHS measures in the industries in the study area and the laxity of the responsible institutions to enforce OHS regulations have contributed heavily to non-compliance with OHS measures. Data from both primary and secondary sources was collected using interviews, observations, questionnaires and documented literature. Sampling frame of twenty five respondents was identified from five industries in the study area and sampling units drawn using systematic random sampling. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis were employed in the organization and interpretation of the gathered data in line with the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study helped to find out what OHS measures existed in the industries in the study area, assess the enforcement and compliance of OHS regulations in the study area and to give suggestions on and how to enhance safety and health of workers in industries in the study area. The findings assisted the researcher in formulating recommendations that could significantly improve the efficacy and compliance levels of OHS measures in industries in Thika Municipality.
Wastewater management: a case of reducing wastewater release into environment in Mathare North, Nairobi County
(2014) Juma, Lillian Adhiambo
This project reinforces waste water management in a holistic manner in order to have a minimal impact of waste water to the environment. This includes sources of water for use to disposal of used water in Mathare North and link between wastewater management in Mathare North in relation to Nairobi as a whole and globally in order to develop mechanisms to help address wastewater management. The project also explores potentials and challenges of wastewater management in Mathare North with respective to Nairobi in its entirety. The project then considers policies, legislative and institutional framework when it comes to wastewater management in Kenya. Waste water management requires incorporation of all the issues that influence wastewater generation in which 75% of it ends up in the environment to help in planning and development of waste management initiatives. All stakeholders‘ involvement is crucial to getting and implementing views of different sectors of the population. There are different types of wastewater which require different technologies to manage to help reduce cost of realizing wastewater management. In addition, there are different purposes for wastewater management which must be considered and addressed which are regarded as components wastewater management. Theoretical framework of the project incorporates planning, participation, advocacy and funding with regard to consideration of environmental impacts of the activities. The project embraces investigate research where primary and secondary data has been collected and collated to develop mechanisms that addresses wastewater
An assessment of the level of compliance with the solid waste management regulations (2006) in Starehe district, Nairobi County
(2014) Ochieng, Victor A.
Globally, solid waste management is a serious challenge for cities in developing counties. The ever-increasing quantity of waste generated in cities in developing countries poses a risk to ecosystem and human health. The challenge is equally notable in regions such as Asia and Africa where there are less developed countries lacking modern waste management technologies. Kenyan cities are not exceptional. The country’s capital, Nairobi, faces a major environmental challenge of pollution from solid waste. Open dumping of waste presents a real threat to the environment and to human health and is commonplace in Nairobi. Constrained by budget pressures, the city county is struggling to deal with the proliferation of solid waste. While there are several justifications for the high level of pollution from solid waste in cities in developing countries, low level of compliance with relevant regulations is a causative factor. The case is true for Nairobi country as evident in the results of this research. This study was prompted by the urge to find a lasting solution to solid waste pollution in developing countries through high level of compliance with regulations. The research was conducted through a comprehensive evaluation of the level of compliance with the provisions of Solid Waste Management Regulations (2006). The main objective was to establish the level of compliance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations (2006) among waste generators in Starehe District, Nairobi County. To achieve this, questionnaires were administered to various policy implementation officers in Starehe District. Data was analyzed and represented statistically, through use of graphs and tables. The findings show a low level of compliance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations (2006), in Starehe District, Nairobi
Evaluation of Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Projects; in Nairobi County
(2014) Wambui, Harrison Maina
Assessment of Community Forest Associations in Socio-economic empowerment of communities in Kinangop, Nyandarua County
(2014) Thirikwa, Roselyne Wanjiru
Participatory Forest Management is a framework that has widely been adopted in management of forests because it includes community and other stakeholders in forest management. The Forest Act (2005) provided way in which PFM would be implemented in Kenya to provide a solution to the problems facing the forestry sector. It provided an opportunity for the community to participate in the management of the forest through co-management of the forest with KFS using Community Forest Associations who together with other stakeholders come up with a Participatory Forest Management Plans for forests that inter alia establishes the CFA’s roles, responsibilities and their user rights in the forest reserve. In the initial stages of implementation of Participatory Forest Management in Kenya it was noted that CFA’s face various challenges in their attempts to improve the socio economic status of the forest-adjacent communities which if not addressed, may defeat the purpose of PFM and revert the state of forests to a situation where there is open access to forests and deforestation. This project was aimed at assessing how PFM has been implemented in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, the steps they have taken to improve the socio-economic status of the community and the challenges they are facing in improving livelihoods. The findings from questionnaires, interviews, observation and literature review show that a CFA was established with a specific purpose and objectives. However most of the objectives are yet to be met due to various challenges such as lack of funds. The report is finally concluded with several recommendations that can be adopted by the CFA and other stakeholders to address the challenges they face in socio-economic empowerment of communities.

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