DISPOSAL ALTERNATIVES FOR ELECTRONIC WASTE IN
KOROGOCHO AND DANDORA INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS:
IMPLICATIONS ON WASTE MANAGEMENT IN URBAN CENTRES IN
KENYA
STANLEY O. OMUTEREMA, PHD
C153/CTYIPT/24472/2010
A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF
THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PUBLIC
POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
MAY, 2013
KENYATIA UNIVERsJTY UBRAR
CrTYCAMPUS
DECLARATION
This research project is my original work and has not been presented for a degree in
any other umversity or for any other award
Signature ...
Name: Sta ley Omuterema (PhD)
C 153/CTYIPT/24471/201 0
I confirm that this research report has been submitted for examination with my
approval as the University supervisor
Signature ..h............................ Date .... ?:-. y:I'!.e!..lJ
Dr. Felix Kiruthu
Department of History, Archaeology & Political Studies
Kenyatta University
I confirm that this research report has been submitted for examination with my
approval as the Chairman of Department
Signature r!.':'."':.~~............... Date :':.'('/o£./ D .
Dr: Washington Ndiiri (PhD)
Chairman, Department of History, Archaeology & Political Studies
Kenyatta University
ii
DEDICATION
This research project is dedicated to my late father Rakem Oluchiri whose inspiration laid
down the foundation and aspirations for my advanced learning.
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This research project would not have been possible without the patience and support of my
lecturers and colleagues of Kenyatta University. The dedicated professional and technical
guidance of my supervisor, Or. Felix Kiruthu was outstanding. Prof. Oavid Minja's advice
and technical support are highly acknowledged. I would also like to express my appreciation
to my classmates - the first ever Master of Public Policy and Administration class in Kenya.
The support and environment provided by my family enabled me to pursue and complete
this work. Special compliments go to my wife Judith, children Faith, John, Olivia and
Arthur. My mother Linet and late father Rakem kept encouraging me. I sincerely thank
them. My brothers, sisters and relatives kept the fire burning and I greatly appreciate their
contribution
I would not forget the support from Mr. O. Morungi, Ms. M. Onyiego, Mr. A. Munanga and
Ms. T. Njoki for support during data collection and processing. Finally I acknowledge work
of my colleagues and members of staff at MMUST Nairobi centre for their moral support.
I feel my acknowledgement would be incomplete if I did not appreciate that contribution
and the goodwill of all the friends and relatives who assisted me both materially and morally
during my research work. It is not possible to mention all the people who assisted me in one
way or the other during this project. Please accept this collective acknowledgement.
iv
ABSTRACT
Although digital technology improves job prospects and lifts people out of
poverty, new technologies and increased turnover of electronic products has led to a
rise in e-waste. The situation in Kenya is aggravated by weak enforcement of
policies and legislation. This study investigated the main sources of e-waste in
Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. It also established ways in which the
e-waste is used. It investigated the impacts of the waste on the livelihoods of the
community members. The study also determined ways in which administrative
officers responded to the e-waste menace. The study applied descriptive survey
research design. It used purposive and simple random sampling strategies and
targeted two informal settlements; Dandora and Korogocho. Interview schedules
were used to collect data. This was then presented in tables and charts. The study
found that shops and other commercial agencies are the main sources of e-waste
found within households in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. Most of
these are shops that located within the city council waste collection routes. Private
sources (individual and groups) are also significant sources of e-waste. A significant
proportion of the community store and involve themselves in re-sale of e-waste.
Some use the e-waste for re-fabrication of secondary and subsequent re-use. The
level of awareness among households and community members about the impacts of
e-waste on their health is low. The members are not aware of the e-waste potential
for toxicity and disease. A correlation statistic established that the respondents
discard their e-waste irrespective of knowledge of government laws and policies and
therefore points to lack of enforcement of the regulations. Fencing of dumping
places and, arresting and prosecution of law-breakers are popular options for
enforcement of e-waste regulations, policies and laws. It is recommended that shops
and other commercial enterprises should put in place measures for effective
collection and management of e-waste. Proper separation mechanisms should be
implemented to prevent such waste from reaching households. Private individuals
and groups that generate e-waste should similarly use effective management
strategies. Public awareness and education about hazards involved in storage and
sale of e-waste should be enhanced. The same should target households and other
main stakeholders who use e-waste for refabrication and, subsequent re-use and sale.
The level of awareness among households and community members about the
impacts of e-waste on their health should be also enhanced. This should particularly
cover the potential for disease spread and toxicity. Public administration officers in
informal settlement areas should embrace all the available procedures to enforce
environmental management regulations, policies and laws relating to e-waste
management. These should include use of sensitization sessions with the
communities.
v
CCK
E- Appliances
EU
E - Waste
ICT
IT
IWM
LPUR
LRHA
NEMA
UNCHS
UNDP
UNEP
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Communication Commission of Kenya
Electronic Appliances
European Union
Electronic Waste
Information and Communication Technology
Information Technology
Integrated Waste Management
Law for the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources
Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home
Appliances
National Environment Management Authority
United Nations Centre for Human Settlement
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Environment Programme
vi
DEFINITION OF OPERATIONAL TERMS
E-waste: Discarded electrical or electronic devices.
Informal Settlements: unplanned settlements and areas where housing is not in
compliance with current planning and building regulations (unauthorized housing).
Waste regulations: These are regulations enforced by an environment agency in a
country like Kenya.
Waste Policies: Government guidelines comprising statements that provide for
ways handling and managing of waste
Disposal: Final placement or riddance of wastes
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION : ii
DEDICATION iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
ABSTRACT v
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONyMS vi
DEFINITION OF OPERATIONAL TERMS vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS viii
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF TABLES xiii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1. Background to the Study 1
1.2. Problem Statement 6
1.3. Research Questions 7
1.4. Study objectives 7
1.5. Research premises 8
1.6. Significance of the Study 8
1.7. Scope and Limitations of the Study 9
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 11
2.1. World Electronic Products and E-Waste Scenario 11
2.2. Electronic materials in Kenya 13
2.3. Sources and effects of e-waste 16
viii
2.4. Waste collection and transportation 18
2.5. E-waste policies and regulations 19
2.6. Role of State Administrators 23
2.7. Conceptual Framework 24
Figure 2.2: Conceptual Framework: Waste Management Hierarchy 25
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 27
3.1. Research Design 27
3.2 Variables/Categories of Analysis 28
3.2. Research Area 29
3.3. Target Population 30
3.4 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size 30
3.5 Sample Size 31
3.6 FGD and Key Informant Samples 32
3.7 Research Instruments and Methods of Data collection 33
3.7.1 Interview guides 33
3.7.2 Validity and Reliability 33
3.7.3 Data Collection Procedures 34
3.7.4 Data Analysis 35
3.7.5 Data Management and Ethical Considerations 36
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 37
4.1. Introduction 37
4.2. Background characteristics of the respondents 37
ix
4.3. Gender and age of respondents 38
4.4. Level of education 39
4.5. Time in the area 40
4.6. Main sources of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora 40
4.7. Qualifications on e-waste management 41
4.8. Source of waste management. 43
4.9. Ways of utilizing e-waste 43
4.10. Impacts of e-waste on the livelihoods of the people in Korogocho and Dandora
informal settlements 46
4.11. The response of the public administration officers in Korogocho and Dandora to
the e-waste menace 47.
4.12. Knowledge and skills on e-waste management regulations and policies .48
4.13. Government department charged with enforcement of the policies and laws on
waste management so
4.14. Source of knowledge on handling and/or disposal of e- waste 51
4.15. Records of e-waste materials disposal : 52
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDA nONS 55
5.1. Conclusions SS
5.2. Recommendations 56
5.3. Suggestions for interventions and further work 56
BIBLIOGRAPHY 58
APPENDICES - 1 -
APPENDIX AI: INTERVIEW GUIDE - 1-
x
APPENDIX A2(II): INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR E-WASTE DEALERS, RECYCLERS
AND MANUF ACTURERS - 7 -
APPENDIX A2(III): GUIDE FOR GOVERNMENT WASTE POLICY INSTITUTIONS ...- 11 -
xi
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.2: Conceptual Framework: Waste Management Hierarchy 25
Figure 4.1: Qualifications on e-waste management.. 42
Figure 4.2: wastage re-fabrication and sale 44
Figure 4.3: respondents preferring re-fabrication and subsequent re-use 45
Figure 4.4: respondents preferring storage and sale 45
Figure 4.4: respondents preferring donating used electronics 46
Figure 4.5: Sources of Knowledge and skills on e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora
................................................................................................................................... 51
xii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4.1 Distribution of respondents by their gender and age 38
Table 4.2: Distribution of respondents by their gender and status as a head of the
household 38
Table 4.3: Status as a head of household and their highest level of education 39
Table 4.4: Time of living within the community 40
Table 4.5: Electronic appliances / devices your household owned in the last three
years 41
Table 4.6: Qualifications on E - waste management 41
Table 4.7 Distribution of sources ofE-Waste as established by respondents 43
Table 4.8: The impacts of the e-waste on the livelihoods of the people 47
Table 4.9: Response of the public administration officers to e-waste disposal 48
Table 4.10: Knowledge and Skills about e-waste management legislation and
policies 49
Table 4.11: Institutions charged with e-waste management.. 50
Table4.12: Inventory of e-waste 52
Table:4.13: correlation between knowledge of regulations and records of e-waste
disposal 52
Table 4.14: correlation between awareness f government awareness and disposal
means 53
xiii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background to the Study
Electronic waste (e-waste) is the most rapidly growmg segment of the
municipal waste stream. E-waste is a general category of electronic products
including broken or obsolete televisions, computer monitors, central processing
units (CPU), cordless and cell phones, cash registers, videocassette recorders, cell
phones, copiers and printers, stereos and speakers, microwaves, x-ray machines,
and some scientific equipment (Kurian, 2007). These products may contain toxic
materials such as lead, barium, mercury, and cadmium that require proper
management as well as valuable resources that should be recovered. It is also
notable that materials from e-waste release a deadly cocktail of poisonous waste
products including lead, cadmium and mercury which can lead to serious illness
and death (Omuterema, 2004). Handling of such material should therefore be done
with caution and within a specific policy framework.
Rapid economic growth and the increasing transboundary movement of secondary
resources will increasingly require both 3R endeavours (reduce, reuse, recycle) in
each country and appropriate control of international material cycles. To meet these
needs, the prevention of environmental pollution and efficient utilization of resources
will both be important (Terazono et al., 2006).
1
One of the areas of focus of Basel Convention on Transboundary Movement of
Hazardous Substances emphasizes collaboration among existing institutions and
programmes to promote better use of cleaner technology and its transfer,
methodology, economic instruments or policy to facilitate or support capacity-
building for the environmentally sound management of hazardous and other wastes.
India and other countries have ratified the convention and find it useful in some of
her management measures for e-waste (Ramachandra & Saira, 2004). Further, the
Government of India published draft rules on e-waste handling and management in
2010. The rules comprehensively spell the responsibilities of: the waste producers,
collection centres, consumers, dismantlers and recyclers among others (Government
of India, 2011). Several states in Brazil, a country considered to have the fifth biggest
electronic market after China, USA, Japan and Russia, have initiated e-waste
initiatives by making e-waste relevant regulations or establishing separate collection
of particular e-waste fractions (Streicher-Porte, 2009). However, only about 10% of
cities in the country have a proper strategy to deal with recyclable waste (Casaes,
2009). There has been strong industry opposition in the country against application of
the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for electrical and electronic
products (Streicher-Porte, 2009). The problem of national policy on e-waste persists
in this country.
2
UNEP executive director, Mr Achim Steiner warned that dumping of e-wastes in
Africa would increase unless existing international regulations on toxic materials,
including those under the international convention for the prevention of pollution
from ships, are properly enforced in the country (Otieno, 2006). An e-waste baseline
study conducted by the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) in 2008 noted that
e-waste recycling, conducted as one of the management methods is done informally
with no regulation in place to safeguard the health of those who dismantle the
electronic equipment, nor the environment (KICTANeT, 2008). The absence of a
policy and legislative framework, and a practical management system, means that
much e-waste remains largely in storage. It also means e-waste is often recycled or
disposed of in an unsafe and unsustainable manner. Agencies that handle, transport,
recycle, or dispose of e-waste need specific guidance to assure that the growing
waste flow of end-of-life electronic products is managed in a way that protects public
health and the environment and conserves resources (Rarnachandra & Saira, 2004;
California Integrated Waste Management Board, 2004).
Local government in Kenya has a primary role in the diversion of electronic wastes
from landfills. This rapidly growing segment of waste is one of substantial concern
because of its hazardous and toxic materials content. Rapid technological advances
and lower product prices for more powerful machines are contributing to shorter
product life spans and frequent replacement. Electronic equipment quickly loose
3
resale value yet consumers are likely to store their old electronics, believing that it
still has value.
A 2009 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, Recycling - From
E-waste to Resources, notes that Kenya faces serious environmental and health
problems due to increasing hazardous waste from electronic devices (UNEP, 2009).
The report lists old mobile phones, photographic and music devices, desktop and
laptop computers, printers, pagers, refrigerators, toys and televisions as the main
sources of e-waste. There is a need to dispose of large quantities of computers and
mobile phones and to arrange for their safe disposal, which includes the right to
health and safety measures for workers and the public in general. Schluep (2010) in
studies on e-waste management also notes that developing and emerging countries
are seriously affected by the waste since they produce a growing amount of e-waste
by themselves; some of them receive e-waste from industrialized countries; they face
a lack in suitable laws and their enforcement on e-waste management.
Hitherto, Kenya does not have legislation to deal directly with e-waste (Shivoga,
2010; Daily Nation, 2006b and GoK, 2010). At the national level, there is a mix of
laws and regulations addressing waste, and some recent references to e-waste, but
there is no coordinating framework. The Environmental Management Co-ordination
Act (EMCA, 1999) defines hazardous waste, pollutants and pollution, but it does not
4
address specific aspects of waste such as e-waste. The National Environmental
Management Authority (NEMA), responsible for implementation of all policies and
regulations relating to the environment, also has no specific regulations focusing on
e-waste. At the local level, the 1962 Public Health Act places responsibility for waste
management at the local authority level (GoK, 1962). These, however have no
e-waste programmes.
Kenya ICT policy (2006) emphasizes minimal environmental impact during the use
of ICT devices by various users. The policy also states that the government will
ensure that telecommunications operators minimize the effect of their infrastructure
developments on the environment and reduce the inconvenience and intrusion caused
by such infrastructure (GoK, 2006). The policy contains sections that remotely relate
to e-waste. They make appropriate recycling and installation of disposal facilities for
e-waste as part of the requirements for renewal of communications licenses (GoK,
2006). This is not given emphasis by consumers. The Communications Commission
of Kenya (CCK) (CCK, 2010) has incorporated the foregoing requirement into
current legislation. The Kenya Bureau of Standards runs the pre-export verification
of conformity programme that aims to minimize the national risk of unsafe and
substandard goods entering into the country. The bureau is expected to conduct
inspections of second-hand computers entering the country to ensure that they are
utilizable.
5
The level of awareness on e-waste management issues is poor among members of the
public both in the formal and informal settlements as various e-waste components are
found mixed in municipal waste fractions as established by various studies cited in
the literature below.
1.2. Problem Statement
Although digital technology improves job prospects and lifts people out of
poverty, new technologies and increased turnover of electronic products has led to a
rise in e-waste. A study conducted between December 2007 and April 2008 by
the Kenya leT Action Network in Nairobi in July 2008 found that the total e-
waste generated from computers, monitors and printers in the city is 3,000
tonnes per year. This is likely to increase dramatically as the importation and use of
computers increases; a 200% rise was recorded in 2007 (Waema & Mureithi, 2008).
There is lack of policies and legislation on the methods of disposal of this and other
types of waste (Mutuku, 2011). Areas within and bordering the dumping sites such as
Korogocho and Dandora dumping site in Nairobi have been cited to be choking with
e-waste from discarded refrigerators, television sets, computers and mobile phones.
The situation is replicated in many other dumping sites across the country.
E-waste releases a deadly cocktail of poisonous waste products including lead,
cadmium and mercury which can lead to serious illness and death (Omuterema,
2004). The engagement of the informal settlement populace in business of informal
6
collection, dismantling and recycling of domestic e-waste exposes them to serious
health risks.
This study therefore investigated the main sources of e-waste in Korogocho and
Dandora informal settlements, examined how the waste is utilized, its impact on the
livelihoods of community members and how public administration officers respond
to the e-waste disposal menace. Mention something on policy implication
1.3. Research Questions
The study was guided by the questions:
a) What are the sources of e-waste In Korogocho and Dandora informal
settlements?
b) How is the e-waste utilized in the informal settlements?
c) How does the e-waste impact on the livelihoods of the people in the informal
settlements under study?
d) How do the public administration officers respond to the e-waste menace?
1.4. Study objectives
a) To identify the main sources of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora
informal settlements in Nairobi.
b) To examine the ways in which e-waste is utilized in the informal settlements
c) To analyze the impact of e-waste on the livelihoods of the people in
Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements
7
d) To examine the response of the public administration officers in Korogocho
and Dandora to the e-waste menace
1.5. Research premises
The study was guided by the following research premises:
a) Industries in Nairobi are the main sources of e-waste In Korogocho and
Dandora informal settlements
b) E-waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements is utilized within
the locality.
c) E-waste found within Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements has no
significant adverse impact on the livelihoods of the people.
d) There is inadequate response by the public administration officers in the
management of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements
1.6. Significance of the Study
It is notable that the term e-waste does not appear in both Kenya's legal documents
relating to solid waste; Environmental Management and Coordination Act
(1999) and Waste Management Regulations of 2006. A recent study suggests
that the total e-waste generated from only computers, monitors and printers each
year is about 3,000 tons. Most of the waste results from poor methods of disposal
of used electronic appliances. This amount of e-waste is likely to increase in future
(OoK, 2010). Considering that this research was carried out in a relatively poor
segment of the electronic consumer society where product re-use is likely to be
8
-KENYATIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
9high, the information obtained after completion of the research will serve to inform
the Manufacturing Industry, Central Government, local government staff, and the
general public on how to properly manage e-waste.
High density unplanned settlements within and bordering the dumping and high
generation sites, such as Korogocho and Dandora are likely to suffer most from the
effects of e-waste, some of which are health-related. Results of the study will
inform policy on the required care during handling and management of used
electronic appliances at household and institutional levels.
Data on various methods of handling e-waste in the informal settlements will assist in
design and formulation of strategies for disaster risk-reduction for the hazardous
substances in such places. The data will also enhance urban planning tools in order to
cater for the emerging hazardous wastes from electrical and electronic wastes.
1.7. Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study was conducted over a limited period - four (4) months, between January
2013 and April 2013. This period may not be adequate to administer the research
tools exhaustively in the study area since some of the residents may be absent
when they are required for interview administration. To overcome this challenge,
arrangements were made to seek appointment with respondents to provide the
most convenient but acceptable time for administering the research tools.
A lot of waste, composed of various types is generated within the area of study.
However the focus is only on e-waste. A study of all the categories of waste can take
a lot of time which may extend the period of the study. Furthermore, disposal of e-
waste is widespread in Nairobi. Both informal and formal settlements suffer from
effects of improper disposal practices. However due to constraints the study only
examined Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. Due to financial and time
constraints the study limited itself to community members who have owned at
least two of the electronic appliances - Mobile phone, Television, Radio and
Computer. Other members who may have owned only one of the appliances were
excluded even though they would have had a significant input in the research.
To cover for this shortcoming, key informant interviews were extended to
respondents with likelihood of unique knowledge, skills and information other than
those sampled. The study was conducted in Korogocho and Dandora informal
settlement areas in Nairobi, Kenya. These are settlements within the Nairobi
County, Kenya in Eastern Africa.
10
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. World Electronic Products and E-Waste Scenario
The electronic industry is the world's largest and fastest growing manufacturing
industry (Radha, 2002; DIT, India, 2003). During the last decade, it has assumed the
role of providing a forceful leverage to the socio-economic and technological growth
of a developing society. The consequence of its consumer oriented growth combined
with rapid product obsolescence and technological advances are a new
environmental challenge - the growing menace of "Electronics Waste" or "e
waste" that consists of obsolete electronic devices. It is an emerging problem as
well as a business opportunity of increasing significance, given the volumes of e-
waste being generated and the content of both toxic and valuable materials in them
(Kurian, 2007). The fraction including iron, copper, aluminium, gold and other
metals in e-waste is over 60%, while plastics account for about 30% and the
hazardous pollutants comprise only about 2.70% (Widmer et aI., 2005).
A UNEP report titled "Recycling-From E-waste Resources" published in July 2009
(UNEP, 2009) notes that Kenya is facing serious environmental and health problems
due to increasing hazardous waste from electronic devices. The report listed old
desktops and laptops computers, printers, mobile phones, pagers, digital photos and
11
music devices, refrigerators, toys, and television as main sources of wastes. The
report warned that if immediate action is not taken to ensure safe and proper
collection and disposal of materials, many developing countries will have to deal
with large amounts of hazardous e-waste and may suffer dire consequences on the
environment and public health fronts.
With sharp rise in sales of electronic devices notably mobile phones, the problem
will worsen in the coming years. As noted by UNEP executive director Achim
Steiner, developing countries will be reeling under untold burden if e-waste recycling
is left to the vagaries of the informal sector, unless action is taken to collect and
recycle material (UNEP, 2009).
Establishment of a recycling process requires an efficient collection management.
According to de Oliveira et al (de Oliveira, Bernardes & Gerbase, 2012), the main
difficulty associated with the implementation of e-waste recycling processes in Brazil
as in many other countries is the collection system, as its efficiency depends not only
on the education and cooperation of the people but also on cooperation among
industrial waste generators, distributors and the government. Over half a million
waste pickers have been reported in Brazil and they are responsible for the success of
metal scrap collection in the country. The country also has close to 2400 companies
and cooperatives involved in recycling and scrap trading. On the other hand, the
12
collection and recycling of e-waste is still incipient because e-wastes are not seen as
valuable in the informal sector. This study posits that the Brazilian challenge is to
organize a system of e-waste management including the informal sector which plays
a vital role so as to integrate environmentally sound management practices.
2.2. Electronic materials in Kenya
A study conducted between December 2007 and April 2008 by the Kenya leT
Action Network in Nairobi in July 2008 found that the total e-waste generated from
computers, monitors and printers in the city is 3,000 tonnes per year. This is
likely to increase dramatically as the importation and use of computers increases; a
200% rise was recorded in 2007 (Waema & Mureithi, 2008). The absence of a policy
and legislative framework, and a practical management system, means that much e-
waste remains in storage. It also means e-waste is often recycled or disposed of in an
unsafe and unsustainable manner. This puts both the recycler and local population
at risk; residents near dump sites report waste fumes, chemical inhalation, and
air and water pollution. However, with the right infrastructure, which is one of the
ultimate aims of this study, these volumes are manageable.
According to the Government of Kenya (GoK) (2010), e-waste has become the
fastest growing segments of the Kenya's total refuse. The country is exposed to this
pollution because of failure to manage her waste, and upsurge in dumping of
electronics products due to growing demand for affordable gadgets. The country's
13
less formal dumping sites are home to electronic gadgets with lethal toxins. In
Nairobi, Recycling for Charities websites say the impact of this care-free disposal of
e-waste is being felt in Nairobi's Dandora Estate. Dandora is Kenya's largest
dumpsite, receiving over around 4,000 tonnes of garbage daily (GoK, 2010). It is
further noted by NEMA, Kenya (GoK, 2010) that with unregulated means of
disposal, Kenyans have resorted to burning trash as their best and only means of
disposing e-waste, not knowing that by incinerating these gadgets, they release toxic
chemicals and metals into the air and ground. Globally, reports and campaigning
by environmental groups have spurred a flurry of international agreements to
regulate the global trade in hazardous waste (Waema & Mureithi, 2008). More than
150 countries, Kenya included have signed up to the UN Basel Convention, an
international treaty which came into effect in 1992 and aims to minimize the
generation and movement of electronic waste across borders (UNEP & UNU, 2009).
These initiatives require support through national and other local mechanisms.
In his book, Morgan (Morgan, 1967) describes the city of Nairobi as a large and
flourishing place by 1900 with the settlement consisting mainly of the railway
buildings and separate residential quarters for Europeans and Indians. The latter were
mainly the labourers employed on the construction of the railway. There was
practically no African Settlement. In the first two decades of the last century, almost
all the natives in Nairobi lived in informal settlements (Ngau, 1995). The earliest
14
settlements included Mji wa Mombasa, Maskini, Kaburini, Kileleshwa, and Pangani.
Most of these, however, were subsequently demolished, and the indigenous landlords
and tenants compelled to live in demarcated "native locations'.
K'Kakumu & Olima (2006) noted that most of the informal settlements that exist in
Nairobi today were established after independence. From 1963 until the late 1970s
the policy was to eradicate informal settlements. This hostile attitude was, however,
superseded by a conciliatory and accommodating position. There was tacit
acceptance of informal settlements, with the authorities adopting a laissez faire
approach whereby they generally did not demolish any settlements, but also made no
effort to institute improvement programmes. Informal settlements consequently
expanded and proliferated unchecked. One of the most striking features of the city is
its dynamics that involves transformation into different socio-spatial manifestations.
For instance in the 2005 - 2006 period, an estimated 55% of the total population of
Nairobi lived in the spatially segregated informal settlements that occupied only 5%
of Nairobi's residential area (K'Kakumu & Olima, 2006). The incessant demand for
affordable electronic gadgets in many informal settlements is a major contributor to
e-waste. It is important to equip the city of Nairobi with effective hazard mitigation
strategies especially those related to e-waste as we progress towards the realization of
vision 2030.
15
There are challenges in handling, storage and disposal of domestic waste in Nairobi
(Afullo & Odhiambo, 2009; Olima, 1998). Some of these arise from lack of space
and appropriate skills. Regulatory issues are also to blame. Omuterema, Waswa and
Masibo (2008) note that disposal of solid waste should incorporate integrated waste
management alternatives that include reuse, source reduction, recycling, composting
and incineration. In her report, Munyua (2010) notes that there are economic
opportunities in e-waste management in the form of creating employment via
informal recycling businesses. Refurbishment of old ICT equipment has also become
an area of business for civil society organizations like Computer for Schools, Kenya
(CFSK), who refurbish computers for schools around the country. Small and medium
entrepreneurs could be encouraged and supported to tap into e-waste recycling
utilizing sustainable business models.
While the technology is fairly simple, landfills involve complex organic processes.
To ensure their efficient operation and to limit disturbances and environmental
pollution, UNDP, UNCHS ,World Bank & SDC (1996) further note that landfills
need to be carefully sited, correctly designed and well operated.
2.3. Sources and effects of e-waste
Other studies done worldwide to establish pollution levels generated from e-waste
activities revealed higher concentrations of contaminants in several environmental
media adjacent to e-waste dump sites. For instance at Guiyu, Guangdong Province in
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KENYJ\· A UNlVE SITY LIBRARY
China, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil obtained from a printer
roller dump site was 593 ug/kg dry weight (Wei Cai & Hung Wong, 2006) . Also
high levels of Cu (712, 528 and 496 mg/kg), exceeding the Dutch list action value,
were obtained for soil near the printer roller dumping area, sediment from Lianjiang
River, and soil from a plastic burn site, respectively. Still in China, Dechlorane plus
(DP) from a waste recycling activities, a flame retardant with adverse health effects,
was identified and measured in house dust from e-waste recycling and from urban
and rural areas of South China, with geometric mean concentrations of 604, 14.5, and
2.89 ng/g, respectively.
From some of these examples, a significant number of contaminants are transferred
via house dust which serves as a repository and concentrates many environmental
contaminants that accumulate from various pathways, including volatilization and
deterioration from household products and deposition of particulates transferred from
the outdoors (Lioy, Freeman & Millette, 2002; Hwang, Park, Young & Hammoc,
2008).
Thus, proximity to dumpsite may not be the only areas of high risk but house dust
also plays an important role in human exposure to contaminants in the indoor
environment. According to Browne and Grizzard (1979), urban storm water causes
dispersion of solid wastes, including e-wastes. The wastes are diverse and pollution
levels of the affected land in the urban centres depend on the specific land uses. E-
17
waste has become a significant component of waste from institutional sources such
as government and private offices, educational establishments, sports facilities and
clubs. It has also become significant in industrial (manufacturing) establishments in
urban centres in East Africa. Its significance is emerging in domestic (household)
waste just like in healthcare (hospitals, clinics, drugs shops) (Okot-Okumu, 2012).
2.4. Waste collection and transportation
Three main methods of wastes collection can be identified as the informal primary or
pre-collection phase mainly from households to community collection points (e.g.
skips, bunkers or open roadside) mostly by households, hired labour. The secondary
phase collection is from community transfer points to final disposal sites or landfills
and is mostly by formal institutions like urban councils and private operators. Private
operators mostly collect wastes directly from generating sources (door to door).
Private operators collect waste at negotiated fees with the individual clients.
Industries and shopping malls in most cases contract private waste collectors to pick
wastes from their premises, while community markets and hospitals still rely mainly
on urban council collection. Other collection modes take the form of a "summon to
bring" system, where a truck is parked at a location and a horn (hooting) summons
people to deliver wastes to the truck.
The frequencies of household waste collection vary between low-income and high
income groups. The high-income groups dispose waste often 3 times a week that is
18
determined by the frequency of collection by most contractors of 2-3 times a week
similar (Kaseva & Mbuligwe, 2005; Okot-Okumu & Nyenje, 2011).
Much time is spent on collection as most waste is manually loaded onto trucks by
urban council workers. Percent of waste collected vary between 35 and 68, which is
comparable to other urban councils in developing countries (Vidanaarachchi et aI.,
2006; Palcznki, 2002; Supriyadi et aI., 2000; Scheinberg, 2011). The introduction of
private operators has increased solid waste collection levels compared when it was
dependent entirely on the urban councils (Kaseva & Mbuligwe 2005; Oberlin 2011;
Okot-Okumu & Nyanje 2011). However most of these reported collection efforts
only apply to wastes that have reached community collection points (transfer points).
So a higher percentage of urban solid waste does not reach the legal disposal points
but end up in the environment. Open dumping is the most common waste disposal
methods in urban areas (Oberlin 2011; Okot-Okumu & Nyenje 2011). Where skips
and waste bunkers are too far the communities dump wastes indiscriminately and
some disposal points are often overflowing with uncollected wastes. This frequently
leads to scavenging of categories of wastes such as e-wastes
2.5. E-waste policies and regulations
In countries with advanced regulatory mechanisms on e-waste, policy is geared to
address all issues ranging from production and trade to final disposal, including
19
technology transfers for the recycling of electronic waste (DIT, India, 2003;
Ramachandra & Saira, 2004). Clear regulatory instruments, adequate to control both
legal and illegal exports and imports of e-wastes and ensunng their
environmentally sound management should be in place. The regulations should
prohibit the disposal of e-wastes in municipal landfills and encourage owners and
generators of e-wastes to properly recycle the wastes. Manufacturers of products
must be made financially, physically and legally responsible for their products
(Kurian, 2007).
In describing how Japan deals with e-waste, Chung (Chung & Rie, 2008) admits the
increasing scarcity of waste disposal sites and increased costs of waste disposal. In
recognition of this Japan deals with e-waste in two ways. One is the Law for the
Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources (LPUR), which focuses on
enhancing measures for recycling goods and reducing waste generation. The other is
the Law for the Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances (LRHA), which
imposes certain responsibilities related to the recycling of used home appliances on
manufacturers and consumers. LPUR covers personal computers and small-sized
secondary batteries designated as recyclable products while LRHHA deals with four
classes of items: television sets, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners.
20
In India, policies and regulations that cover Design for Environment (DtE)
and better management of restricted substances may be implemented through
measures such as (Kurian, 2007): specific product take-back obligations for industry,
financial responsibility for actions and schemes, greater attention to the role of new
product design, material and/or substance bans including stringent restrictions on
certain substances, greater scrutiny of cross-border, movements of Electrical and
Electronic Products and e-waste and, increasing public awareness by labelling
products as environmental hazard.
According to Kurian (2007), the effectiveness of legislation would include: coverage
on the definition of the term electronic waste; identification of the person/institution
that pays for disposal; clarification on whether waste disposal is the responsibility of
the producer; the likely benefits of voluntary commitments and, ways in which
sufficient recovery of material can be achieved to guarantee recycling firms a reliable
and adequate flow of secondary material. Several reports (Royal Media Services,
2012) cite gaps in preparedness in dealing with electronic waste when fake phones
are switched off after the lapse of the amnesty period in Kenya. Similar concerns
arise for migration from analogue to digital Television in the country.
The two main legislations related to e-waste management in Europe are Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) (Directive 2002/96/EC) along with the
21
complementary Directive 2002/951EC on the restriction of the use of certain
hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS) which seeks to
reduce the environmental impacts of WEEE throughout all stages of the equipment's
lifecycle, particularly at the end-of life stage, by encouraging the end-of-life
management of the product, eco-design, life cycle thinking and extended producer
responsibility (Sawhney, Henzler & Melnitzky, 2008).
In his view Savage (Savage, 2006) alludes that the key aims of the WEEE directive
was to reduce WEEE disposal to landfill and provide for a free producer take-back
scheme for consumers of end-of-life equipment starting 13th of August 2005. It also
aimed at improving product design with a view to both preventing WEEE and to
increasing its recoverability, reusability and/or recyclability. The other aim was to
achieve targets for recovery, reuse and recycling of different classes of WEEE in
addition to providing for the establishment of collection facilities and separate
collection systems of WEEE from private households. Still, this was supposed to
provide for the establishment and financing of systems for the recovery and treatment
of WEEE, by producers including provisions for placing financial guarantees on new
products placed on the market. The foregoing is accompanied by a timetable and
implementing resources from the respective governments. Current practices in the
developed and a few developing countries (Arora & GTZ-ASEM, 2008) are;
collection, dismantling and, re-use and recovery
22
2.6. Role of State Administrators
Government administrators are empowered by clauses of the some environmental
laws to ensure effective enforcement. The Government of India's regulations on
hazardous waste provide for the role of administrators in enforcement (Government
of India, 2011). In a study that aimed at recommending the most appropriate method
for solid waste management problem in Nairobi, Kasozi and Blottnitz (2010) suggest
the application of firm command and control by the department in charge of
environment at the City Council of Nairobi. Adequate resources should be provided
for this to take root. They also recommend levying of fees that is in tandem with the
dumping and waste collection practices of waste-sector organizations. Guidelines
relating to the administrators' role directly on e-waste are not provided.
From the above literature, it is apparent that there is scant information on the sources
of e-waste, its use, the impact of the waste on livelihoods and the role of the
administrators on the e-waste disposal methods. Further, not much has been done on
requirements for effective implementation of e-waste disposal regulations and
policies in Kenya. According to KICT ANet (2008), a policy and regulatory
framework to address e-waste management is required to regulate the collection,
disposal and handling process, as well as to license key actors. This implies that there
are gaps in knowledge about e-waste handling and role of administration that require
to be addressed. These were addressed in part by this study.
23
2.7. Conceptual Framework
Various theories and frameworks that guided related studies in the past are explored
for possible adaptation in this study. A study by Mureithi et al (2008) on assessment
of e-waste in Kenya largely applied exploratory research framework. It was, by
design meant to cover Nairobi and specific IT products: PCs, laptops, Cathode Ray
Tubes (CRT) monitors, printers, flat panels screens and other computer accessories.
The current study covers radios and telephones in addition to the foregoing products.
The focus is also different; informal settlements in Nairobi.
The framework that guided the study on levels of heavy metal pollutants in
Municipal Solid Waste in Nairobi City (Omuterema, 2004) focused on levels of
heavy metal hazards in Municipal Solid Waste. It applied direct cause-effect
relationship framework where different environments would result in varying levels
of heavy metals. These wastes are not as widespread in households as electronic
appliance waste materials. The latter encompass other hazardous substances such as
organic materials in addition to heavy metals. Wider, more focused management and
related policy enforcement strategies need to be explored.
There are multiple waste disposal hierarchies that are applicable in the current study.
The theory and framework of the hierarchy of the European Union Waste Strategy,
established in 1989, and revised in 1996 and illustrated in Figure 2.1 is considered
most suitable for this study. The first priority in waste management is waste
24
minimization, followed by recovery and finally proper disposal (White, Rodney &
lanes, 1996).
Dependent Variables
Independent Variables
Regulations and
Policies
Knowledge level on
e-waste
Other factors for
disposal
Monetary gain
Space
Influence from other
people
Waste Management Options
Recycle
Material Recovery
Energy Recovery
mcmeratton
Landfilling
Enforcement of
Regulations, Policies
Figure 2.2: Conceptual Framework: Waste Management Hierarchy
Source: Modified from White et al. (1996)
This hierarchy gives guidelines on the levels of preference for different solid waste
management options. It is often feared that the Hierarchy will be accepted as dogma
and not take into account specific local and regional environmental and economic
constraints. Additionally, the lack of scientific basis for the hierarchy as well as its
limited applicability when a variety of different options are being used plus the
absence of cost considerations within the hierarchy all add to the criticism (White et.
2S
aI., 1996). The hierarchy is however in tandem with the principles of Integrated
Waste Management (IWM). It is also in harmony with the proposals of one of the
most recent initiatives in dealing with e-waste in Africa - The Durban Declaration
on e-waste management in Africa whose main points are: improvement of
cooperation among stakeholders, establishment of an institutional framework,
creation of awareness at all levels of governance & the general public, support of
markets, collection and management of data development of a legal framework,
development of a qualified and efficient e-waste recycling sector ( Schluep, 2010).
UNDPIUNCHS/World BanklSDC (1996) note that there is always a large quantity of
waste for disposal through land filling. Urban authorities should ensure that
appropriate sites for new solid waste disposal are made available, and that these sites
will become accessible for the timely execution of Municipal Solid Waste
Management improvements.
26
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1. Research Design
It refers to the strategy to integrate the different components of the research
project in a cohesive and coherent way. Rather than a "cookbook" from which you
choose the best recipe, it is a means to structure a research project in order to
address a defined set of questions (Kombo & Tromp, 2006; Trochim and Land,
1982).
This study employed a descriptive research design and at a later stage, correlational
design. Descriptive research design is designed to provide further insight into the
research problem by describing the variables of interest. A descriptive study is
concerned with determining the frequency with which something occurs or the
relationship between variables.
In this case, the researcher sought to find out methods used in disposal of the
used electronics and further investigate the reasons behind this. The design was
aimed at providing solutions to problems mostly when one believes that a particular
event influences the dependent variable. It involves observing and measuring
things as they are.
27
Further, the research correlated the level of knowledge of respondents on e-waste
management, the government regulations and policies to methods adopted for
disposal.
3.2 Variables/Categories of Analysis
The type and number of waste appliances in the category of e-waste were determined
for household e-appliances; Mobile phones, Radio, Television (TV) and Computer
(the most preferred being first and least preferred last in the list). The electronic item
found to have been disposed by a household or individual person were examined as
per the objectives.
The sources of e-waste were determined from;
(a) industries;
(b) shops and other commercial institutions
(c) waste dealers/resellers
(d) other homesteads
Ways in which the e-waste is utilized was chosen from several options, among
them:
(a) re-fabrication and sale
(b) re-fabrication and subsequent re-use for a different function
(c) storage and sale
(d) re-use for the function of the original unit
28
(e) other(s) (specify)
The impacts of the e-waste on the livelihoods of the people were chosen from:
(a) Health - disease spread
(b) Health - Toxicity impacts
(c) None
(d) Other (specify)
The response of the public administration officers to e-waste disposal within the area
(a) Prevent disposal through ensuring fencing of dumping places
(b) Conduct sensitization sessions with the community in various ways
(c) Arrest and prosecution of law-breakers
(d) Other (specify)
3.2. Research Area
This study was conducted in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements within
Nairobi city. This is the Kenyan capital city located in Nairobi Region. The Region
borders Eastern Region to the East, Rift Valley Regions to the South and West, and
Central Region to the North. The Region has a population of 3,138,295 which
forms 7.7% of the total population (2009 Kenya census) (OoK, 2011). It covers an
area of 696 km square kilometres (269 square miles). The city lies on the Nairobi
River in the south of the nation and has an elevation of 1795m above the sea
level. The location of Nairobi city is at latitude 1 degree, 17'S and Longitude 36
degrees 49'E. The city is located 500km (300mi) west of the Indian Ocean in
29
Kenya's Central Highlands (OoK, 2011).
The county has eight divisions namely: Central, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani,
Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani and Westlands. Nairobi Central Business District is
located in Pumwani Division.
3.3. Target Population
The study was carried out in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements within
Nairobi with a population of over 780,000 (census of 2009) (OoK, 2011). The study
focussed on public administration officers with jurisdiction over Korogocho and
Dandora. Targeted also were sampled households in the study area, e-waste dealers
and recyclers operating in the two informal settlements; manufacturers and
government waste policy institutions.
3.4 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size
This study employed systematic random sampling to arnve at a sample Size
from the Korogocho and Dandora residents. In a random sample, every person in
a target population theoretically has an equal chance of being selected to take a
survey. A transect was made across each of the two settlement areas so as to
capture households with the highest variation in socio-economic status. Households
that have owned at least a mobile phone and radio for at least three (3) years and
disposed at least one of the electronic appliances; Mobile phone, Radio,
Television and Computer qualified to participate in the study. Only one member of
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KENYATTA UN1VE SIT LIBRARY
the household, preferably the head was requested to provide information.
Purposive sampling and snow ball technique was applied to select the persons who
carry out the informal practices of recovering e-appliances from solid waste
dumping sites. Purposive sampling was also used to select government officers to
participate in the study.
3.5 Sample Size
The target population was over 20,000 households distributed over the two informal
settlements, Korogocho and Dandora (GoK, 2011). The sample size is calculated
taking into account the Confidence Interval to be used and precision level. Assuming
that the findings reflect the true picture of the represented population 95% of the
time, the Cochrane formula was applied as described by Bartlett, Kotrlik and Higgins
(2001), Raosoft Inc. (2004) and by Enanoria (2007). This is stated as:
Whereby,
n is the calculated sample size
Z is the confidence level (95%)
e is the level of precision (5%)
31
p is the proportion of the population with required characteristics (taken to
be 30%).
Hence the sample size was 1.962xO.3 (1 - 0.3) = 323
0.052
So the sample comprised 323 households. The above sample size determination
ensured fairness in sampling (Mugenda (2008). The household population density in
the area is high (over 6 persons). According to Kothari (2003), the number of
households as indicated above is representative for a study covering a population of
over 10,000 persons. There are about five hundred (500) boys and girls who
scavenge at the major waste disposal sites in the three areas. Fifty (50) of them or
10% were sampled through a random process and snow balling.
3.6 FGD and Key Informant Samples
Sample size for focus group discussion (FGDs) participants was determined based on
the prevalence of e-waste storage/holding and recycling places. Ten (10) FGDs were
held. This adequately covers the targeted geographical area.
Key persons such as Government officers in the Ministry of Communication and
National Environment Management Authority were interviewed. The ministries in
charge of environment, health and communication interact with e-waste issues, so
interviews were sought from two (2) relevant persons from each ministry. The person
32
in charge of waste disposal activities at the city council of Nairobi also participated.
Members of the public and other persons with extensive information in the study area
were interviewed and any resources offered were used. Boys and girls found at the
waste dumping sites were also interviewed. Public administration officers including
the Chiefs, County government Assistants and County representatives were part of
the key informants.
3.7 Research Instruments and Methods of Data collection
The study employed interview guides to collect both qualitative and quantitative
data.
3.7.1 Interview guides
The study used interview guides to collect data from the respondents. An interview
guide is a carefully designed instrument consisting of a set of items to which
the respondents are expected to react, usually in writing. The guides were used
because the study is concerned mainly with the views, perceptions and feelings
of the respondents and such variables cannot be directly observed. The study used
self-constructed semi-structured guides, with a mixture of focused and free-response
items in a single instrument. This enabled the study to collect quantitative data from
the closed-ended sections, and qualitative data from the open-ended sections.
3.7.2 Validity and Reliability
For the validity of the instrument, the researcher conducted a pilot survey. This
involved pre-testing the interview guides with selected community members. Kothari
33
(2003) suggests that a pilot study is conducted to ensure clarity and proper
interpretation of the guiding instrument by the expected respondents. Validity is
concerned with whether the findings are really about what they appear to be about.
To test for validity, the data collection instruments were administered to conveniently
selected respondents.
Reliability refers to the consistency of measurement and is frequently assessed using
the test- re-test reliability method. Reliability is increased by including many similar
items on a measure, by testing a diverse sample of individuals and by using uniform
testing procedures. Triangulation increases reliability of any study and with this in
mind, questionnaires, interview guides, observation and focus group discussion
were used to verify collected data. The use of focus group interviews was a brain
storming session that gave the researcher an opportunity to verify issues from
participants and open the topic up for further investigation.
3.7.3 Data Collection Procedures
The researcher and research assistants familiarized with the boundaries of the study
areas; Korogocho and Dandora divisions. Sending introductory letters and booking
appointments with the government administration offices in the area of study were
done. The researcher administered the instruments in person and using two research
assistants to the household heads, community elders and government departmental
heads of the Ministry of Information and Communication, Local Government and
34
Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Health and Sanitation
and Ministry of Medical Services at the district level. Prior to issuing the interview
guides, appointments were made for time allocation by the respondents. Instructions
about the research were read and explained to participants. Ample time of one week
was given for filling of the guides which were later on collected by the research
assistants. Observation checklists, photographs and secondary sources such as
journals and other periodicals were also used to collect data and information.
3.7.4 Data Analysis
The data collected in this study was entered into the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS 17) program for statistical analysis and then presented
through percentages, means, standard deviations, frequencies and charts.
Correlation statistic was done to determine whether there is a relationship between
awareness of the health effects of e-waste and nature of disposal practices used.
The data was entered, edited and analyzed by use of descriptive statistics.
Frequency and percentages were used in the analysis and tables and figures were
generated during the analysis. To facilitate analysis of the data, each variable in the
interview guide was assigned a numerical representation and the response from each
respondent was coded using a defined coding scheme to easily facilitate data
analysis.
35
Qualitative research utilizing case study method is one tool that this study relied on in
data analysis. Case study method emphasizes a limited number of events, studies
relationships among them and examines contemporary real life situations. Therefore
the case study method is among the most appropriate method to use in researching
this topic. The focus on Korogocho and Dandora ensured in-depth study and gave
more information on the cases under study. Data analysis ran concurrently with data
collection. This gave the researcher an opportunity to accommodate issues that were
not anticipated and emerged during the period of study to seek more information or
clarification.
3.7.5 Data Management and Ethical Considerations
Considering the fact that the research subjects in qualitative research are human
beings, great care must be taken to prevent harm to these people. Some of the major
ethical issues to be considered are the issues of informed consent (the researcher
having received consent from the subject before data collection commences and after
the subject has been adequately informed about the research), the right to privacy
(protecting the identity of the participant from the reader) and protection from harm
(this entails physical, emotional or any other harm to the subject in the course of the
research). The researcher has kept the information given private and confidential and
where necessary has used pseudonyms for individuals and places to protect identities
of informants.
36
K NYATTA U\ 'iVERSlTY LtBRARY
CHAPTER FOUR
RESUL TS AND DISCUSSION
4.1. Introduction
This chapter presents a descriptive analysis of the data gathered in relation disposal
alternatives for electronic waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements
with its implications on waste management policy in urban centres in Kenya. In this
study, a total of 316 respondents were interviewed. The respondents were randomly
selected from the five phases of Dandora and Korogocho. The method employed
assured an equal chance of representation of all the phases within the division. Three
hundred (300) valid responses were recorded. Descriptive techniques were used to
organize, summarize and interpret quantitative information. Data was then presented
in form of frequency tables and charts where applicable. This presentation is based
on the questionnaire that was administered.
4.2. Background characteristics of the respondents
This section presents the characteristics of personal attributes of individual respondents.
They include; gender, age, house heads, level of education, time lived in the community,
electronic appliances/devices owned by household, e-appliances owned by the household not
in-use, and qualifications the respondents had on e-waste management. The rationale behind
inclusion of these attributes in the analysis is that they help to shed some light on the
knowledge the respondents had on e-waste and its management.
37
4.3. Gender and age of respondents
The research requested the heads of households to indicate their gender, and age. The results
are as shown in Table 4.1
Age Total
Gender 12 - 20 years Over 20 years
Male Count 20 125 145
% 13.8% 86.2% 100.0%
Female Count 20 135 155
% 12.9% 87.1% 100.0%
Total Count 40 260 300
0/0 13.3% 86.7% 100.0%
Table 4.1 Distribution of respondents by their gender and age
Majority of the respondents 86.7% were over 20 years while 13.3% of them were between
12-20 years. From the same table it is clear there are more female than male respondents.
This implies that in some cases there were female heads of household. The researcher then
enquired from the respondents to indicate whether they were all heads of the household. The
results are as shown in Table 4.2.
Table 4.2: Distribution of respondents by their gender and status as a head of the
household
Status as head of Gender Total
the household Male Female
Yes Count 112 88 200
% 56.0% 44.0% 100.0%
No Count 33 67 100
38
% 33.0% 67.0% 100.0%
Total Count 145 155 300
0/0 48.3% 51.7% 100.0%
From Table 4.2, majority of the male respondents (56.0%) indicated they were the head of
their households while 44.0% of the female were the heads of their household. The rest of
the respondents were heads of their household. This shows that there are as many female
households as the male headed household in the area of study. This would assist in getting
the information needed in establishing the disposal alternatives for electronic waste.
4.4. Level of education
The researcher asked the head of households to indicate their highest level of education. The
results are as shown in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3: Status as a head of household and their highest level of education
Highest level of education Total
Head of the Secondary Primary Not gone to
household education education school
Yes Count 40 126 34 200
% 20.0% 63.0% 17.0% 100.0%
No Count 30 49 21 100
% 30.0% 49.0% 21.0% 100.0%
Total Count 70 175 55 300
0/0 23.3% 58.3% 18.3% 100.0%
Majority of the head of household (63.0%) had attained primary level of education, while
20.0% of them had a secondary level of education and 17.0% of them had not gone to
39
school. This shows that majority of the respondents had some knowledge on how to dispose
electronic waste.
4.5. Time in the area
The researcher sought from the household heads the amount of time they had stayed within
the community. The results are as shown in Table 4.4.
Table 4.4: Period of stay within the community
Period of residence Frequency Percent
Between 0 -6 months 30 10.0
Between 6 months- one year 10 3.3
Between 1 year - three years 50 16.7
Between 3 years - five years 55 18.3
Between 5 years - Seven years 30 10.0
over Seven years 125 41.7
Total 300 100.0
Most of the household heads (41.7%) indicated that they had stayed within the community
for seven years and more while 18.3% of them had less than five years within the community
and 10.0% of the respondents said they had stayed in this area for less than six months.
These results is an indication that majority of the respondents had come across or had seen
the way electronic waste is being disposed by their households or from the neighbouring
households.
4.6. Main sources of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora
With sharp rise in sales of electronic devices notably mobile phones, the problem will
worsen in the coming years. As noted by UNEP executive director Achim Steiner,
developing countries will be reeling under untold burden if e-waste recycling is left to the
40
vagaies of the informal sector, unless action is taken to collect and recycle material
(UNEP, 2009). Armed with this knowledge the researcher sought to identify the main source
of e-waste in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements in Nairobi. The results are as
shown in Table 4.5.
Table 4.5: Electronic appliances / devices your household owned in the last three years
Appliance Frequency Percent
Television 120 40.0
Radio 230 76.7
Mobile Phone 195 65.0
Computer! Laptop 5 1.7
No Response 35 11.7
N=300
Majority of the respondents (76.7%) owned a radio in the last three years while 65.0% of
them owned a mobile phone and 40.0% of them owned a television set. When asked which
of the appliances has developed problems during that time 44.7% of them had their radio
developing problems, while 35.0% said their mobile phone has had problems, 14.7% of them
having their television spoilt and 13.7% of them had none of their items spoiling during that
duration. Other appliances such as a DVD as well developed problems during that period.
4.7. Qualifications on e-waste management
According to the Government of Kenya (2010), e-waste has become the fastest growing
segments of the Kenya's total refuse. The country is exposed to this pollution because of
failure to manage her waste, and upsurge in dumping of electronics products due to
growing demand for affordable gadgets. This prompted the question on the qualification in
e-waste management. The results are as shown in Table 4.6
Table 4.6: Qualifications on E-waste management
41
Training Frequency Percent
Short training ISeminar ( s) 40 13.3
None 260 86.7
Total 300 100.0
Majority of the respondents (86.7%) had no qualification on management of e-waste while
13.3% had some training through seminars with Nongovernmental organization like JICA,
Ministry of Environment and NEMA.
5l No training86.7% El Short trainings
Figure 4.1: Qualifications on e-waste management
These findings show that there is still need for the government and other stakeholders to
create more awareness on the same. The researcher observes that this is because even those
in the waste management have not been trained.
42
4.8. Source of waste management
Waste comes from different areas such as industries, institutions, shops and enterprises,
private sources such as individuals or groups, the government and even the airport (Table.
4.7).
Table 4.7 Distribution of sources ofE-Waste as established by respondents
Sources Very large Large Moderate Little Nonequantities quantities
Industries 20 (6.7%) 100 (33.3%) 115 (38.3%) 60 (20.02%) 5(1.7%)
Institutions 20 (6.7%) 75 (25.0%) 130 (43.3%) 75 (25.0%) 0
Shops and other 100 (33.3%) 175(58.3%) 25(8.3%) 0 0commercial enterprises
Private Sources
(Individuals or 195(65.0% 75(25.0%) 30(10.0%) 0 0
Groups)
Government sources 10(3.3%) 30 (10.0%) 100 (33.3%) 110 (36.7%) 50 (16.7%)
Majority of the respondents (91.6%) said that shops and other commercial agencies had large
quantities of e-waste. These include all the shops in Nairobi, city council collection from the
city square and cybercafes from all over town. Another 90.0% noted that private sources
(individual and groups) had very large quantities of e-waste. The components of this waste
were mainly products from individual homes and hotels. Respondents who pointed at
industries, institutions, the government sources and the airport as sources of e-waste were
fewer. This shows that the main sources of e-waste are shops and private sources.
4.9. Ways of utilizing e-waste
There are positive and negative impacts of e-waste on the livelihoods of the people in
Korogocho and Dandora informal settlement. Hence the researcher sought to know from the
residents' way in which e-waste was utilized. The results are as shown in Fig 4.2 below.
43
ER· Y .BR y
• Frequently
• Neutral
• Disagree
• No Response
Figure 4.2: Wastage re-fabrication and sale
From the analysis it is evident that only 43.3% of the household heads prefer re-fabricating
and selling the e-waste whereas only 3.3% disagreed with this option. More than one half
(51. 7%) remained neutral.
Re-fabrication and subsequent reuse in another option that the study sought to examine its
use and the figure 4.3 below shows various responses.
44
3.30%
• Frequently
• Neutral
• Disagree
• No Response
Figure 4.3: Respondents preferring re-fabrication and subsequent re-use
Only 28.4% used this option whereas 16.7% disagreed preferring this option. Many
household heads (75%) frequently store their e-waste and sell whenever an opportunity
arises and only 1.7% disagreed with this option (Fig. 4.4).
Figure 4.4: Respondents preferring storage and sale
45
• Frequently
• Neutral
• Disagree
• No Response
The least frequent use was donating electronics to friends or/and relatives free of charge.
This is because 68.3% of the respondents disagreed with this choice (Fig. 4.5).
1.70%
• Frequently
• Neutral
• Disagree
• No Response
Figure 4.5: Respondents preferring donating used electronics
To support their views majority of them indicated that the e-waste was re-fabricated and sold
to create jobs, generate income and to protect the environment. Others who re-fabricated and
subsequently re-used and those who stored and sold wished to clean the environment, reuse
them to avoid losses, recycle them and re-use them to reduce diseases and injuries. Those
who indicated that they re-use for function of the original unit, wished to reduce pollution,
secure their children and reduce losses and those who donated felt that they could help others
who may have been in need of the same and could not afford. This shows that the entire
household heads a reason for the use of e-waste that was found in their informal settlements.
4.10. Impacts of e-waste on the livelihoods of the people in Korogocho and
Dandora informal settlements
The researcher enquired to know from the household heads the negative impact that e-waste
has on the livelihood of the people. The results are as shown in Table 4.8.
46
Table 4.8: The impacts of the e-waste on the livelihoods of the people
Impact Strongly No
Agree Neutral Disagree
agree Response
Disease spread 110(36.7%) 140(46.7%) 15(5.0%) 5(1.7%) 30(10.0%)
Toxicity
50(16.7%) 120(40.0%) 85(28.3%) 15(5.0%) 30(10.0%)
impacts
None 10(3.3%) 5(1.7%) 0 0 285(95.0%)
It can be deduced from this table that household heads were aware that e-waste had an
impact on their health through spread of diseases. Also they understand that this kind of
waste is toxic and therefore can impact on their livelihoods if they come in contact. The
researcher observes that the main dump site for Nairobi and its residents was Dandora dump
site.
4.11. The response of the public administration officers in Korogocho and
Dandora to the e-waste menace
Government administrators are empowered by clauses in some environmental laws to ensure
effective enforcement. The Government of India's regulations on hazardous waste provide
for the role of administrators in enforcement (Government of India, 2011). In a study that
aimed at recommending the most appropriate method for solid waste management problem
in Nairobi, Kasozi and Blottnitz (2010) suggest the application of firm command and control
by the department in charge of environment at the City Council of Nairobi. The researcher
sought from the household heads the responses of the public administration officers to e-
waste disposal. The results are as shown in Table 4.9.
47
Table 4.9: Response of the public administration officers to e-waste disposal
Item Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
Prevent disposal through ensuring 245(81.7%) 45(15.0%) 5(1.7%) 5(1.7%)
fencing of dumping places
Conduct sensitization sessions with 105(35.0%) 65(21.7%) 125(41.7%) 5(1.7%)
the community in various ways
Arrest and prosecution of law- 170(56.7%) 65(21.7%) 20(6.7%) 5(1.7%)
breakers
Majority of the respondents (81.7%) agreed that the public administration officers prevent
disposal of e-waste through ensuring fencing of dumping places and 56.7% of them said that
they should arrest and prosecute law-breakers and 35.0% of them agreed that the public
administration officers should conduct a sensitization session with the community in various
ways.
4.12. Knowledge and skills on e-waste management regulations and policies
The study established that 35% agreed that they were aware of government laws and policies
on e-waste. On the contrary 18.3% strongly disagreed having knowledge of this (Ttable
4.10).
48
Table 4.10: Knowledge and Skills about e-waste management legislation and policies
Project/programme Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly No
agree disagree response
Aware of government 45(15.0%) 105(35.0%) 50(16.7%) 40(13.3%) 55(18.3%) 5(1.7%)
laws and policies
about handling of e-
waste
Local administrators 45(15.0%) 50(16.7%) 50(16.7%) 30(10.0%) 120(40.0%) 5(1.7%)
provide
guidance/information
on how to handle
and/or dispose e-
waste
Government 0 10(3.3%) 65(21.7%) 65(21.7%) 155(51.7%) 5(1.7%)
department(s) provide
guidance on how to
handle and/or dispose
e-waste
Non-government 45(15.0%) 50(16.7%) 50(16.7%) 30(10.0%) 120(40.0%) 5(1.7%)
agencies provide
information on how to
handle and/or dispose
e-waste
According to the study, 40% were of the opinion that local administrators in this informal
settlements do not provide guidance or information on how to handle and/or dispose e-waste.
Similarly, 51.7% are of the opinion that government department(s) in Korogocho and
Dandora do not provide guidance on how to handle and/or dispose e-waste. From the table
49
above, 40% of household strongly disagreed with the statement that Non-government
agencies provide information on how to handle and/or dispose e-waste
4.13. Government department charged with enforcement of the policies and
laws on waste management
Several government agencies are either directly or indirectly charge with the responsibility of
enforcing environmental policies and statutes. According to the responses, 33.3% identified
NEMA as sole institution charged with dealing with e-waste. Public Health Department at
the City Council of Nairobi and to a small extent the Ministry in charge of Health and
Sanitation were observed to be in charge of e-waste issues. Communication Commission of
Kenya (CCK) plays a crucial role (Table 4.11).
Table 4.11: Institutions charged with e-waste management
Institution Frequency Percent
National Environment Management Authority
100 33.3
(NEMA)
Public Health Department 5 1.7
Communication Commission of Kenya 5 1.7
All the above institutions 15 5.0
None of the above 65 21.7
NEMA, Public Health Department 50 16.7
NEMA, Public Health Department, CCK 35 11.7
NEMA, None of the above 5 1.7
No Response 20 6.7
Total 300 100.0
50
Considerable percentage (21.7) did not associate any government institution with e-waste
management and this is a pointer to lack of visibility for this institution in enforcing e-waste
legislations.
4.14. Source of knowledge on handling and/or disposal of e- waste
The respondents were provided with a list of possible sources of information on e-waste. The
study found out that 31.7% of respondents obtain their skill and learn about e-waste over the
Radio while 20.0% get such knowledge through Television. A combination of print media
and Television or print media, radio and others was each category selected by 1.7% (Fig.
4.5).
Sources of knowledge & skill on e-waste
35
30
25
20
15
10
5o
• Percent I
Figure 4.5: Sources of Knowledge and skills on e-waste in Korogocho and
Dandora
51
4.15. Records of e-waste materials disposal
Keeping an inventory of e-waste is essential in understanding proper ways of handling e-
waste. It gives an opportunity to understand the nature of waste as well as identify acceptable
ways of management. From this study it was established that 73.3% did not keep any
records of e-waste they generate and only 13.3% rarely keeps such records (Table 4.12).
Table 4.12: Inventory of e-waste
Options Frequency Percent
Sometimes 25 8.3
Rarely 40 13.3
Not at all 220 73.3
No Response 15 5.0
Total 300 100.0
A correlation was done between knowledge of the existing regulation on e-waste and
maintenance of e-waste disposal records. With the 0.420 significance, the study established
that there is no relationship between respondents having knowledge of e-waste regulations
and keeping of records of e-waste disposal (Table 4.13).
Table 4.13: Correlation between knowledge of regulations and records of e-waste
disposal
Sum of
Model Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
I Regression 1.261 I 1.261 .651 .420a
Residual 575.294 297 1.937
Total 576.555 298
Even those who have knowledge of e-waste did not bother to keep record of e-waste disposal
52
A correlation was also done between awareness of government regulations and
disposal means. From Table 4.14, it can be deduced that there is no correlation
between respondent's awareness of government laws and policies about handling of
e-waste and disposal of the same. Further the study sought to find correlation
between awareness of government regulations and preferred disposal means. The
results are shown in the table below.
Table 4.14: Correlation between awareness of government regulations and disposal
means
Correlations
Government Re- Re- Storage Re - use Donate
department fabrication fabricatio and sale for the used
charged with and sale n function electronic
enforcement subseque of the s to
of the nt re- original friends
Control Variables policies and use unit or/and
laws on relatives
waste free of
management charge
Whether The govt. Carrel. 1.000 -.137 -.160 .096 .042 .091
aware of department Signif. .018 .006 .100 .475 .118governmen charged with (2-t laws and enforcement tailed)policies of the df 0 296 296 296 296 296about policies and
handling of laws on
e- waste waste
management
Re- Carrel. -.137 1.000 .678 .034 .256 .267
fabrication Signif. .018 .000 .556 .000 .000and sale (2-
tailed)
df 296 0 296 296 296 296
Re - Carrel. -.160 .678 1.000 .101 .005 .114
fabrication Signif. .006 .000 .081 .926 .050subsequent (2-re - use tailed)
df 296 296 0 296 296 296
53
Correlations
Government Re- Re- Storage Re - use Donate
department fabrication fabricatio and sale for the used
charged with and sale n function electronic
enforcement subseque of the s to
of the nt re- original friends
Control Variables policies and use unit or/and
laws on relatives
waste free of
management charge
Storage and Correl. .096 .034 .101 1.000 .372 .226
sale Signif. .100 .556 .081 .000 .000
(2-
tailed)
df 296 296 296 0 296 296
Re - use for Correl. .042 .256 .005 .372 1.000 .369
the function Signif.( .475 .000 .926 .000 .000
of the 2-
original unit tailed)
df 296 296 296 296 0 296
Donate used Correl. .091 .267 .114 .226 .369 1.000
electronics to Signif. .118 .000 .050 .000 .000friends (2-
or/and tailed)relatives free df 296 296 296 296 296 0of charge
The respondents discard their e-waste irrespective of knowledge of government laws
and policies and therefore points to lack of enforcement of the regulations.
54
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Conclusions
The study makes the following conclusions:
Shops and other commercial agencies are the main sources of e-waste that is found within
households in Korogocho and Dandora informal settlements. Most of these are shops that
located within the city council municipal waste collection routes. Private sources (individual
and groups) are also significant sources of e-waste. These include individual homes and
hotels.
A significant proportion of the community in the informal settlements store and involve
themselves in re-sale of e-waste. There are dealers who buy e-waste from the community and
either re-fabricate secondary products for subsequent re-use or resale to large scale dealers
without re-fabrication.
It is evident that there is significant level of awareness among households and community
members about the impacts of e-waste on their health. However, the level of awareness is not
in tandem with the improper ways in which they dispose their waste.
Fencing of dumping places and, arresting and prosecution of law-breakers are
popular options for enforcement of e-waste regulations, policies and laws.
Sensitization methods are not popular among the law enforcement officers.
ss
5.2. Recommendations
The study recommends:
1. Shops and other commercial enterprises should put in place measures for
effective collection and management of e-waste. Proper separation
mechanisms should be implemented to prevent such waste from reaching
households. Private individuals and groups that generate e-waste should
similarly use effective management strategies.
11. Public awareness and education about hazards involved in storage and sale of
e-waste should be enhanced. The same should target households and other
main stakeholders who use e-waste for re-fabrication and, subsequent re-use
and sale.
HI. The level of awareness among households and community members about the
impacts of e-waste on their health should be enhanced. This should
particularly cover the potential for disease spread and toxicity.
IV. Public administration officers in informal settlement areas should be able to
embrace all the available procedures to enforce environmental management
regulations, policies and laws relating to e-waste, These should include
prevention of disposal through ensuring fencing of dumping places,
promotion of sensitization sessions with the communities and, arresting and
prosecution of law-breakers.
5.3. Suggestions for interventions and further work
The study makes the following suggestions:
56
i. A sanitary landfill should be established to ensure effective management of all
types of waste in the informal settlements
11. Awareness and training on waste management and recycling should be enhanced
111. Safe e-waste to be recycling initiatives should be supported and promoted
IV. The local area administration, particularly the City Council should step up
management efforts for e-waste by ensure fencing off the dumping site and ensuring
cleanliness to avoid scavenging and spread of diseases.
v. Initiatives targeting job-creation in e-waste sector should be explored
VI. Promotion of waste separation at source should be pursued
V11. E - waste issues should be studied at all levels of schooling - primary to tertiary
institutions.
viii. Community initiatives, especially those involving youth can offer avenues for
interventions on e-waste issues.
57
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Management in the southern province of Sri Lanka: Problems, issues and challenges.
Waste Management 26
Waema, T. & M. Mureithi (2008). E-waste Management in Kenya. Baseline survey
report, Nairobi, Kenya
White S., H. Rodney & F. Jones.(1996). Approaches in Integrated Solid Waste
Management, London, UK.
Widmer R, Heidi Oswald-Krapf, Deepali Sinha-Khetriwal, Max Schnellmann,
Heinz Bo"ni (2005). Waste Components. Global Inst.
63
APPENDICES
APPENDIX AI: INTERVIEW GUIDE
Interview Guide for Households
Please fill in the following spaces
Household No .
Section A: Personal Information
1. Gender Male 0 Female 0
2. What is your age? Under 12 years 0 12 - 20 years 0 over 20 years 0
3. Are you the head of the household? Yes 0 No 0
4. What is your highest level of education?
Post graduate/Graduate and above
CertificatelDiploma
Secondary Education
Primary Education
Not gone to school
5 How ong rave you een ivmg m IS cornrnunuv.
Less than six months
Less than one year
Less than three years
Less than five years
Less than seven years
Seven years and more
b I" . thi
-1-
6. Which of these electronic appliances/devices have your household owned in the
last three years?
Television (TV)
Radio
Mobile Phone
Computer/Laptop
7. Which of the e-appliances owned by the household in the last three years are spoilt
and are no longer in use?
Television (TV)
Radio
Mobile Phone
Computer/Laptop
8.What qual ifications do you have in E-waste management?
Certificate training after schooling
Short training/seminar(s)
None
Please specify if yes .
Section B: Sources of e-waste
S.No. Item Moderate Little NoneV. large Large
quantities
9 E-waste comes
from industries
If yes, name of
industries .
10 E-waste comes
from institutions
If yes, name of
institutions .
11 E-waste comes
from shops and
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other commercial
enterprises
If yes, name of
enterprises .
12 E-waste comes
from private
sources (individuals
or groups)
If yes, details of the individuals and/or groups
13 E-waste comes
from government
sources
If yes, details of the government
sources .
14 Other sources:
Ways in which the e-waste is utilized
S.No. Item/Frequency Neutral Disagree
15 Re-fabrication
and sale
Very Frequently
frequently
16 Re-fabrication
and subsequent
re-use
17 Storage and sale
18 Re-use for the
function of the
original unit
19 I1we donate used
electronics to
friends or/and
relatives free of
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20 Other uses .
charge
Please give reasons for your answer in rows above
The impacts of the e-waste on the livelihoods of the people
S.No. Item Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
21 Health - disease
spread
22 Health - Toxicity
impacts
23 None
24 Other (specify)
The response of the public administration officers to e-waste disposal
(answer appropriate questions)
S. Item Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
No. Agree Disagree
22 Prevent disposal
through ensuring
fencing of dumping
places
23 Conduct
sensi tizati 0n
sessions with the
community in
vanous ways
24 Arrest and
prosecution of law-
breakers
25 Other (specify)
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Section C: Knowledge and Skills about E-Waste Management Regulations and
Policies
S.No. Project/programme Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
agree disagree
35 I am aware of
government laws and
policies about handling
of e-waste
36 Local administrators in
your locality provide
guidance/information on
how to handle and/or
dispose e-waste
37 Government
department(s) in the
locality provide guidance
on how to handle and/or
dispose e-waste
38 Non-government
agencies provide
information on how to
handle and/or dispose e-
waste
39. The government laws and policies deal with:
Safe use of e-appliances only
Possible re-use of resources including e-appliances only
Safe disposal of e-waste/e-appliances only
Safe use ofe-appliances, possible re-use of the appliances including
their parts and their safe disposal
40. Which government department is charged with enforcement of the policies and laws
on waste mana ement?
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
Public Health Department
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All the above institutions
Communication Commission of Kenya
None of the above
41. A major source of my knowledge about handling and/or disposal of e-waste is
Print media
Radio
TV
Others (Specify)
42. I k d f . I dieep recor so e-waste materia s isposa
At all times
Sometimes
Rarely
Not at all
43. Any other observation .
Thank you
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APPENDIX A2(II): INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR E-WASTE DEALERS,
RECYCLERS AND MANUFACTURERS
Tick appropriate category
E-waste dealer o
E-waste recycler o
E-waste industries/manufacturers 0
Please till/tick the following spaces
Section A: Personal Information
I. Gender Male 0 Female 0
2. What is your age? Under 12 years 0 12 - 20 years 0 over 20 years 0
3. Are you the owner ofthe business? Yes 0 No 0
4.What is your highest level of education?
Post graduate/Graduate and above
Certificate/Di ploma
Secondary Education
Primary Education
Not gone to school
- 7-
5. How long have you lived in this community?
Less than six months
Less than one year
Less than three years
Less than five years
Less than seven years
Seven years and more
Section B Electronic waste information
6. Which of these electronic appliances/devices have you owned in the
last three years?
Television (TV)
Radio
Mobile Phone
Computer/Laptop
Other (specify)
7. Which of the e-appliances owned by you in the last three years are spoilt
and are no longer in use?
Television (TV)
Radio
Mobile Phone
Computer/Laptop
Other (specify)
8. The electronic appliance waste dealt with
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Equipment/Frequency Mostly Sometimes Rarely Not at
all
Television (TV)
Radio
Mobile phone
Cornputer/Laptop
9. What training/qualifications do you have in E-waste management?
Short training/seminar(s)
Certificate training after schooling
None
Please specify if yes .
10. Where do you obtain the e-waste materials?
I Within the local residence/area
I Both within and outside the local settlement area
Main supplies of the e-waste materials
S. Item/Frequency At all times Sometimes Rarely Not at all
No.
11 Obtain the e-rnaterials from
household sources
12 Obtain the e-rnaterials from
other e-waste dealers
I tem/Freq uency At all times Sometimes Rarely Not at all
13 Obtain. the e-rnaterials from
industries
Storage of e-waste materials
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S. Item/Freq uency At all times Sometimes Rarely Not
No. at all
14 I store in a room that is meant
to store for e-waste only
15 I store together with other
items/non-e-waste materials in
a room
16 I store the e-materials in the
working room/workshop
Handling
S. Item/Freq uency At all times Sometimes Rarely Not at all
No.
17 I use Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) while
handling e-materials under
my care
18 I collaborate with other
dealers, recyclers or
manufacturers in dealing with
e-materials
19 I keep records of the e-waste
management activities under
my jurisdiction
Thank you
- 10-
APPENDIX A2(III): GUIDE FOR GOVERNMENT WASTE POLICY
INSTITUTIONS
Local Administration, NEMA, Ministry of Communication, Ministry in charge of
Public Health and Medical Services, City Council of Nairobi
Specify the type of institution:
Please fill the following spaces
Section A: Personal Information
1. Gender Male 0 FemaleD
2. What is your age? 12 - 20 years 0 over 20 years 0
3.What is your highest level of education?
Secondary Education
Post graduate/Graduate and above
Certificate/Diploma
Primary Education
Not gone to school
4.Wh at qua 1 ications o you avem -waste management.
Certificate training after schooling
Short training/seminar( s)
None
d h . E ?
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Section B: Institutional Framework
Existence of laws
Specific laws are required for addressing issues related to the handling of e-waste-
waste minimization, re-use, material recovery and landfilling
S.No. Item/Choice Agree Not Disagree
sure
5 There are specific laws or/and policies
that address production of e-waste
materials
If sure, cite the
law(s) .
S. Item/Choice Agree Not Disagree
No. sure
6 There are specific laws or/and policies that
address the use of e-waste materials
7 There are specific laws or/and policies that
address the management of e-waste
materials
9 Standards have been established for the
implementation of e-waste-related laws.
10 Infrastructure has been established for the
implementation of e-waste-related laws
11 There are regulations requiring the
development short, medium and long-term
policies on e-waste management
12 There is technical capacity to develop
short, medium and long-term policies on e-
waste management
13 There is economic capacity to develop
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short, medium and long-term policies on e-
waste management
14 There is financial capacity to develop
short, medium and long-term policies on e-
waste management
15 There is adequate capacity to disseminate
information about available e-waste
management options sources and the
impacts of alternative management
options.
If you strongly agree for 1st and 2nd rows above, cite these
law(s) .
16. Cite the weaknesses in operationalizing the legal instrument in 10 above
17. What is the institutional framework for addressing issues related to the handling
ofe-waste?
18. Cite the weaknesses in operationalizing the institutional instrument in 12 above
Health impacts
19. What are the health impacts of the e-wastes within the community?
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20. How is the government addressing the potential health hazards .
21. Suggest ways of strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks for better
overall management and safety
Section C: Response of the public administration officers to e-waste disposal
S.No. Item Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree
22 Prevent disposal through ensuring
fencing of dumping places
23 Conduct sensitization sessions
with the community in various
ways
24 Arrest and prosecution of law-
breakers
25. Any other comment on administrative management of e-waste in the informal
settlements .
Thank you
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