The Role of Institutions in SWM in Nairobi County Using Environmental SWM Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Waste Management

Abstract

Inadequate solid waste management mechanisms in many cities are a major drain on the economy with many health problems and environmental impacts experienced. Institutions such as municipal authorities and policymakers need to create synergy to upscale their efforts in SWM in cities. Sustainable waste management provides a comprehensive inter-disciplinary framework for addressing the problems of managing urban solid waste, in the resource constrained Nairobi City Council which will provide a network for remedial actions and enhance the quality of services being rendered. Despite many SWM policies in place, institutions lack the capacity, financial and technology to handle the increasing waste generation in Nairobi city. The study was guided by this objective; to analyze the existing policy framework on solid waste management and its effectiveness in addressing SWM in Nairobi City County. The study adopted a descriptive research design, interrogating the SWM policy frameworks in place and how the institutions mandated integrated to yield sustainable management of solid waste. This paper highlights the role of institutions and effective SWM policies where involvement and participation of all the stakeholders such as the waste generators, waste processors, formal and informal agencies, nongovernmental organizations and financing institutions are pivotal to the sustainable waste management.