Assessment of Solid Waste Management Privatization and Continued Pollution in Makadara Sub-County Residential Areas, Nairobi – Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to assess how private waste companies have contributed to continued pollution in Makadara Sub-County, Nairobi City County. The study employed mixed method design, specifically concurrent triangulation strategy. Simple random sampling was used to select 218 resident leaders whereas purposive sampling was used to select 1 Sub-County environmental officer and 23 managers of private waste firms. Instruments for data collection were questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides and observation guide. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Ver. 27.0) and presented in tables and pie charts. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis and presented through narrative forms and thematic text approach. The study findings revealed that Private Waste Companies (PWCs) contributed to continued pollution in Makadara Sub-County by insisting on prompt waste collection charges, littering and waste spillage, irregularity in waste collection, creation of mini-dumps and poor maintenance of waste collection points, and inadequate finances. The study concluded that insufficient funds was the main challenge facing private waste companies leading to continued pollution in the residential areas and therefore there was need to review the terms and conditions of operation between PWCs and the residents that gear towards environmental sanitation that is fit for human survival. The study recommended that the PWCs to increase frequency of waste collection while the City County Government to implement the policy on contracting private waste companies that operate in residential areas and develop a policy on public-private partnership which focuses on the government subsidizing PWCs that carry out waste management in low-income residential areas.