Effects of Rapid Population Growth on Waste Disposal in Thika Town, Kiambu County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Mugure, Lucy
Kibutu, Thomas N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IRJP
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of rapid population growth on waste
disposal in Thika town, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was based on the Driving ForcePressure-State-Effect-Response (DPSER) model (OECD, 1994), and adopted a survey research
design. The target population for the study was town physical planners, local officials of NEMA,
members of the public and community groups who engaged in environmental conservation in the
municipality. Stratified random sampling was used to select community group members,
officials from NEMA, the Physical Planning Department and District Environment Officers.
Data for the study was collected by use of questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data
collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. On
the other hand, qualitative data was analyzed thematically in line with the study objectives. The
results of the analysis were presented using tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study
established that the rapid population growth in Thika Town has led to environmental problems
such as water pollution, air pollution, poor disposal of waste, formation of slums, poor
maintenance of water supply, sewerage and sanitation systems and congestion in the transport
system. The study recommends that environmental education should be incorporated into the
school curriculum at all levels to build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens; the
government should provide adequate funding for agencies concerned with environmental
management and ensure proper implementation of programs and policies; the government should
also install a recycling plant within Thika Town to curb environmental degradation; among other
actions.
Description
Article
Keywords
Rapid Population Growth, Waste Disposal, Environmental Problems