Abstract
Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste management has remained a big challenge in Africa and other resource constrained settings. However, to achieve sustainability, the gaps in governance of waste management need to be addressed speedily as populations are expanding rapidly, far exceeding available infrastructure and resources. Ruiru subcounty has a rapidly expanding population which has not been matched with sustainable waste management in commercial and residential sectors. This study sought to establish the influence of governance on Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste management in Ruiru Sub-County. Mixed methods research approach and descriptive research design were used in both data collection and analysis. This involved administration of Questionnaires, interviews and observation checklist through an online platform Kobo Collect. Results of the study showed that the County Government and subsequent sub-counties are responsible for waste management. Despites this mandate there are heaps of waste remain in commercial and residential areas. This is attributed to various governance challenges such as lack of prioritization of waste management, limited financial and human resources, minimal community participation, disregard of informal players in waste management cycle, weak implementation and enforcement of waste management policies. While it is desirable to attain sustainable solid waste management in Ruiru, and while the national legal frameworks are in place, there are major challenges and gaps in solid waste governance. Therefore, this study concludes enforceability of mechanisms, adequacy of funding, wholistic involvement of all players remain daunting. Unless these are addressed, sustainable waste management will only remain an unattainable goal.
Highlights
To achieve sustainable municipal solid waste management, good governance plays a critical role
Descriptive research design was used with a research survey undertaken to find out governance influence on sustainable municipal solid waste in Ruiru sub-county
Municipal solid waste is primarily collected by the county government(NEMA, 2015)
Summary
To achieve sustainable municipal solid waste management, good governance plays a critical role. Governance is the system of values, policies and institutions by which a society manages its economic, political and social affairs through interactions within and among the state, civil society and private sector (Sudders and Nahem, 2004). It involves the formulation and implementation of policies and decisions. Good governance characteristics include; participation that is equitable, inclusive and with consensus It is accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, and follows the rule of law(Kaufmann and Kraay, 2008; Michalski et al, 2001; Sudders & Nahem, 2004). It involves responsive approaches to the present and future needs of society
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