An assessment of the level of compliance with the solid waste management regulations (2006) in Starehe district, Nairobi County

Abstract

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