National Environment Management Authority Research Articles

Enhancing Environmental Sustainability through Public Procurement: A Case Study of the National Environment Management Authority

The researcher examines the impact of public procurement on environmental concerns. The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of public procurement on environmental concerns. This study focused on the National Environment Management Authority as a case study. This study might help the National Environment Management Authority better advice the public on how to protect the environment through minimizing, reusing, and recycling the environment. The study was both descriptive and analytical, and the following instruments were used for collecting data: interviews, questionnaires, and documentary reviews. A sample section was used to select respondents who could participate in the research. The researcher recommends two types of public procurement. The government was to set minimum environmental standards for the procurement of a variety of goods. These standards were mandatory within the central government departments and agencies, as well as elsewhere in the public sector. The government was committed to sustainable procurement, which means only purchasing goods and services that are needed and buying items whose production, use, and disposal minimize negative impacts on the environment and society. Procurement is an important tool for helping a government meet its targets for operating sustainably, for example, by minimizing its use of energy and carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption, and waste levels, and increasing its recycling rates. Sustainable procurement also offers the opportunity and power to influence suppliers and the products they develop and design for the wider benefit of the economy and the environment. Partnership is a long-term collaborative form of relationship that is based on a high level of trust. The reason for this relationship with suppliers is risk reduction and product development to achieve better solutions. Keywords: Public procurement, Environment Management, Public law, Climate change

Seasonal Variations in Surface Water Quality in River Njoro and Lake Nakuru, Kenya

Water pollution from rivers and lakes has resulted in serious environmental issues on a global scale. The public's growing concern over the decline in river and lake water quality makes it more important than ever to assess the water quality of these bodies of water over a prolonged period of time. During the rainy and dry seasons of 2022, 120 water samples were collected from 5 monitoring stations located within River Njoro and Lake Nakuru. The samples underwent physicochemical analysis of selected water parameters, which included salinity, temperature, pH, turbidity, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), electric conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). The results were compared using the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya's guidelines and the results showed that the water quality of the Njoro river and Lake Nakuru fluctuated with the seasons, particularly in the lower water column of river Njoro. The quality parameters had the following values; EC values range between 73.33 ± 0.55 μs/cm - 533.33 ± 0.64 - μs/cm, respectively for both seasons; Salinity values range from 0.085 ± 0.02 ppt - 2.59 ± 0.03 ppt; pH values were between 8.8 – 9.3; Temperature was 23.69 ± 0.07 °C – 14.22± 0.07°C; Turbidity varied significantly – 13.95 ± 0.27 NTU - 36.03 ± 0.35 NTU; TDS between 46.67 ± 0.11 ppm- 243.33 ± 0.04 ppm; TN ranges between 5.97 ± 3.24 mg/L - 8.57 ± 3.18 mg/L and TP 7.49 ± 1.7-9.41 ± 1.84 mg/L in the dry and rainy seasons, for River Njoro and Lake Nakuru respectively. This study showed that the degree to which human activity affects water quality varies with the season. Therefore, most of these factors should be considered while controlling rivers downstream in order to ensure the health of aquatic life, also it is essential to increase lake water quality monitoring and regulate human activity. Additionally, the results revealed that water pollution resulted primarily from domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents.

Monitoring Operations and Uganda’s Mineral Resources Management

Purpose: This study investigates the moderating role of Monitoring Operations of Institutional Policy Implementation in Uganda's Mineral Resources Management.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional design has been used in this study to collect data. In order to find the patterns across variables, this strategy entails data gathering at a specific point in time. The study population consists of 39 institutions and 2 ministries; that is Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and National Environmental Management Authority-(NEMA) and 37 district local governments with mining operations. Districts were chosen in this study based on stratified random selection technique. Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and NEMA were picked for this study based on the strata. To guarantee that each group of the institutions have an equitable opportunity to engage in the study, a stratified random sampling technique has been adapted by the study.
 Findings: The results in this study rejects the null hypothesis and accepts alternative hypothesis that Monitoring Operation is a significant moderating effect on Institutional Policy Implementation in Mineral Resource Management. This result implies that at different levels of Monitoring Operations, the effect of Institutional Policy Implementation varies significantly. Particularly, when managers do proper Monitoring Operations, it enhances the effect of Institutional Policy Implementation on Mineral Resource Management.
 Recommendations: The policy implication in this study is that policymakers should enhance Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms through regular audits and inspections, ensuring compliance with regulations and ethical mining practices. Thus; investing in educational initiatives and awareness programs will raise public awareness of the benefits of sustainable mining practices, empowering local communities to actively engage in decision-making to protect the natural resources.

Challenges and Opportunities Resulting from Mau Forest Evictions of Ogiek Community, Kenya

This paper presents the results and discussions of the objective of the study, which assessed the challenges and opportunities resulting from the evictions of the Ogiek people from the Mau Forest Complex. The study looked at the challenges faced by the Ogiek and the government following the evictions. Secondly, it examined the opportunities that the Ogiek community and the government experienced after the evictions. Public interest and human needs theories underpinned the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 465 respondents, who included 384 household heads, 1 county commissioner, 2 deputy county commissioners, 7 chiefs, 14 village elders, 1 county police commander, 2 sub-county police commanders, 5 conservationist organizations, 5 environmentalist groups, 1 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) officer, 1 UN Habitat officer, 1 officer from the ministry of environment, 10 officers from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), 10 officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), 5 officers from NGOs, 1 officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and 15 heads of NGOs and CBOs. The study applied simple random, purposive, and census sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGD), and observation made up the data collection instruments. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data and was presented in tables, graphs, and charts. The study examined the challenges and opportunities of Mau forest evictions, where poaching, animal attacks, hunger, malnutrition, mental illnesses, and poor health plagued the Ogiek community. The study recommends clear and transparent guidelines regarding the eviction process and any form of compensation set and discussed with the affected households so as to avoid unnecessary impoverishment and protect livelihoods. This information is useful as it will better inform forest managers, policymakers, and other actors in their efforts to fairly and responsibly manage and balance ecological and social development. The study suggests that the government of Kenya adopts a more humane and sustainable relocation policy and involves the Ogiek community in decision-making and investment in alternative livelihoods.

Effects of Mau Forest Evictions on Human Security of the Ogiek Community, Kenya

Forest communities have had to globally endure evictions, sometimes forceful, due to the need for governments to conserve the environment by protecting forests from negative human actions. The Ogiek are hunters and gatherers and rely mainly on wild fruits, beekeeping, and game hunting as a source of livelihood. Animals, e.g., hyrax, were hunted. The Ogiek's lives and sources of livelihood are highly dependent on the forest. The Ogiek community of Mau Forest, Kenya, is a forest community that has faced a similar fate since the colonial period. This study sought to establish the effects of Mau Forest evictions on the human security of the Ogiek community in Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design. The study sampled 465 respondents, who included 384 household heads, 1 county commissioner, 2 deputy county commissioners, 7 chiefs, 14 village elders, 1 county police commander, 2 sub-county police commanders, 5 conservationist organisations, 5 environmentalist groups, 1 UNEP officer, 1 UN Habitat officer, 1 officer from the ministry of environment, 10 officers from Kenya Forest Service (KFS), 10 officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), 5 officers from NGOs, 1 officer from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and 15 heads of NGOs and CBOs. The study applied simple random, purposive, and census sampling techniques. Interviews, questionnaires, FGDs, and observation made up the data collection instruments. SPSS version 26 was used to analyse quantitative data. The data revealed that the Mau forest evictions had negative effects on Ogiek human security, including deaths (86%), injuries (97%), destruction of homes (98%), farms (80%), livestock (52%), illness (95%), lack of sanitation (92%), gender-based violence (69%), disruption of schooling (100%), loss of culture (94%), separation from family (88%), loss of livelihoods (98%), and increased human-wildlife conflicts (78%). 100% of respondents feared for their safety. The study revealed that the evictions had negative effects on the Ogiek community on virtually all seven elements of human security, namely economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security. The study contributes to the literature on indigenous land rights and human security, informs policymakers, and assists policy implementers in carrying out government directives without violating people's rights. It is also essential for civil society leaders. The study recommends that clear and transparent guidelines regarding the eviction process and any form of compensation be set and discussed with the affected households so as to avoid unnecessary impoverishment and protect livelihoods. The study further reckons that the government should adopt a more humane and sustainable relocation policy and provide alternative ways of livelihood to the victims.

Environmental Policy and Solid waste management. A case of Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya.

Purpose: The formulation of Environment Policy 2018 of Turkana County is based on the requirement by the (Constitution of Kenya; 2010 and the County Governments Act, 2013) which gives powers to the county government to formulate policies and enact laws. It is this provision that Turkana County sort to formulate policy to address the management of waste in Lodwar municipality and its environment. The purpose of this article was to determine the influence of the Environmental Policy on Solid waste management in a case of Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; To establish impact of private-public partnership on sustainable waste management in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County; To assess the impact of political good will on solid waste management in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County; To determine adoption of emission-reducing technologies on solid management in Lodwar municipality, Turkana county and to assess the level of integration of environmental policy with socio-economic policies to boost solid waste management in Lodwar Municipality, Turkana County, Kenya.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted to target residents of Lodwar town, management and municipal workers, traders, fisherfolks, county National Environment Management Authority officers and public health department officers at the county level. Furthermore, the descriptive research design was employed and utilized structured and semi structure questionnaires. Out of the population of 110 target groups the sample size used for the study was 33 as stated by Mugenda and Mugenda 2008 that when a population is below 10000 the sample size should be 10% or 30% of the target population hence 30% was ideal for the study. The quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores, and content thematic respectively.
 Findings: The findings of the study indicated that, there were no monitoring framework in place to determine the effectiveness of the policy, lack of awareness of existence of the policy amongst the municipality employees, lack of political good will and lack of waste regulating system.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: In this regard, the study recommends the need for municipality to establish monitoring system to measure the effectiveness of the environmental policy in addressing the solid waste management issues; there was need of the county government to provide enough resources to support the strategies lied by the policies for environmental sustainability; The community members , municipality and county government staff need to be sensitized on the existence of the environmental policy; a legal framework ought to be developed to provide the regulatory and fiscal instruments needed to achieve Turkana environment policy objectives.

Dissipation of environmental DDT and its metabolites in selected rivers of south-western Kenya

Rivers are the main source of domestic and industrial water supplies in Kenya. In this study, water sampling was done at eight upstream sites in the Kuja River catchment, Kenya, between October 2016 and April 2017, specifically to test for residue levels of the organochlorine pesticide, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and its degradation products, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD). The analysis was performed with gas chromatography coupled with electron-capture detection in an autosampler. Concentrations of these residues in the surface water samples ranged from below detection limit (BDL) to 1.1113 μg l-1 in the wet season, and from BDL to 2.007 μg l-1 in the dry season. Overall, the highest mean residue concentration was for p,p′-DDT (0.9669 ± 0.2994 μg l-1). The lowest mean concentration in the dry season was that of p,p′-DDE (0.1824 ± 0.0964 μg l-1), and in the wet season it was p,p′-DDD (0.0610 ± 0.0038 μg l-1). From our results it is evident that DDT is still in use and detectable in the study area, though the mean levels detected were below the acceptable thresholds for natural water as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Except for a slightly higher mean spatial distribution of the metabolite p,p′-DDT, the resides were recorded as below the maximum admissible concentrations of pesticide residues in drinking water, as set out in WHO guidelines and by Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Monitoring organochlorine pesticide contamination levels in Kenya’s water resources should be scaled up to leverage potential for a sustainable blue economy and in safeguarding human and environmental health.

Active morphological factors determining the locations of sand mines in dry-river channels

In Kenya, most of the construction sand is derived from dry riverbeds. Due to rampant nature in which sand mining is carried out in these rivers, adverse environmental and social effects have been reported. In order to ensure sustainable sand mining activities, this study assessed active morphological factors determining sand abundance in the seasonal river Tyaa in Kitui, Kenya. The study adopted quantitative research design. Purposive sampling was used to select river Tyaa due to uncontrolled sand mining that was taking place there. Systematic sampling at 20 meter intervals was used while collecting data at the stretches of the river channel, thus constituting 2,000 meters in total. Data on independent variables, namely the river channel’s width, depth, slope angles, bank position, weathering status, vegetation status, and erosion status was collected using physical measurements and logic guided observation. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data, giving marginal effects and respective p-values. The study established four statistically significant factors responsible for sand abundance in the dry river channel’s namely depth (p=0.001), width (p=0.001), slope angles (p=0.001) and bank position (p=0.001). The study concluded that these factors should be observed while siting sand mines along dry river channels to mitigate adverse environmental effects. The study recommended that National Environmental Management Authority of Kenya should apply the findings of this study in the establishment of the locations of sand mines and monitoring of the mining process in line with the existing guidelines and regulations.

Regulator Analyzes Australia’s Decommissioning Challenge

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 208483, “Is Australia Prepared for the Decommissioning Challenge? A Regulator’s Perspective,” by David Christensen and Andrew Re, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ The Australian offshore petroleum industry has been in operation since the early 1960s and at the time of writing has approximately 57 platforms, 11 floating facilities, 3500 km of pipelines, and 1,000 wells in operation. Many offshore facilities are now approaching the end of their operational lives. Modeling has estimated Australia’s combined offshore petroleum industry decommissioning liability (including wells, pipelines, subsea equipment, and facilities) to be $40.5 billion. The purpose of the complete paper is to highlight the importance and benefit of adopting best practices when planning for decommissioning throughout the life cycle of a petroleum project. Introduction Australia’s offshore petroleum decommissioning challenge is significant given its remote location, limited availability of specialist services, and the relative infancy of its offshore industry in undertaking large-scale decommissioning projects. Recent events in Australia have shown that the industry is, broadly speaking, unprepared for decommissioning. Australian Regulatory Approach The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (OPGGS) Act of 2006 and associated regulations provide the legal framework for the exploration and recovery of petroleum and greenhouse gas activities in Australian Commonwealth waters (those areas that are more than 3 nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline). The key principle underpinning the OPGGS Act and regulations is that responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of workers and the protection of the environment lies with those who create the risks. An objective-based regulatory regime sets requirements that must be achieved but does not prescribe how those requirements must be met. The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has been established and appointed under the OPGGS Act as regulator for health and safety, structural (well) integrity, and environmental management of petroleum activities in Australian waters (3–200 nautical miles offshore) and in coastal waters (0–3 nautical miles offshore) where regulatory powers and functions have been conferred. Section 572, Maintenance and Removal of Property. Section 572 of the OPGGS Act establishes requirements for maintenance and removal of property by the titleholders, along with exemptions and obligation provisions. Section 572(2) of the OPGGS Act provides that a titleholder must maintain in good condition and repair all structures that are, and all equipment and other property that is, in the title area and used in connection with operations. Section 572(3) of the OPGGS Act provides that a titleholder must remove from the title area all structures that are, and all equipment and other property that is, neither used nor to be used in connection with the operations in which the titleholder is or will be engaged.

Formulated Mathematical Model for Delayed Particle Flow in Cascaded Subsurface Water Reservoirs with Validation on River Flow

Migration of pollutant particles into subsurface water reservoirs through point sources is largely involved mixing processes within the system of water flow. Possible potential sources of pollution to these point sources include municipal wastes, septic loads, landfills, uncontrolled hazardous wastes, and sewage storage tanks. The mixing processes of pollutant significantly alter their predictive rate of flow in the water reservoirs, and therefore the time inherent in mixing processes need to be accounted for. In this study, pollution of subsurface water reservoirs mainly rivers and streams through contaminated water point sources (CWPS) was studied through a conceptual perspective of mixing problem processes in water tanks. The objective was to formulate a discrete time delay mathematical model which describes the dynamics of water reservoir pollution that involve single species contaminants such as nitrates, phosphorous, and detergents injecting from a point source. The concentration x t of pollutants was expressed as a function of the inflow and outflow rates using the principle for the conservation of mass. The major assumption made in modeling of mixing problems using tanks is that mixing is instantaneous. Practical realities dictate that mixing cannot occur instantaneously throughout the tank. So as to accommodate these realities, the study refined the systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) generated from principles of mixing problems in cascading tanks, into a system of delayed differential equations (DDEs) so that the concentration of pollutant leaving the reservoir at time t would be equal to the average concentration at some earlier instant, t − τ for the delay τ > 0 . The formulated model is a mathematical discrete time delay model which can be used to describe the dynamics of subsurface water reservoir pollution through a point source. The model was simulated on municipal River Nyakomisaro in Kisii County, Kenya. Physical and kinematic parameters of the river (cross-sectional lengths, depths, flow velocities) at three river sectional reservoirs were measured and the obtained parameter values were then used to evaluate coefficients of the formulated model equation. The system of DDEs from this simulation was solved numerically on MATLAB using dde23 software. From the graphical views generated for concentration of pollutant x t versus time t , it was established that the developed DDEs cover longer time series solutions (characteristic curves) than that from the corresponding ODEs in the same reservoir indicating that time necessary for particle flow through water reservoirs is underestimated if ODEs are used to describe particle flow. Also, the graphical views indicated similar tendencies (characteristics) in particle flow with time elapse even though initial values of concentration x t were different for every potentially recognized single species pollutant considered in each river reservoir. Hence, longer values of time t will imply more pollution in the water reservoir and vice versa. By introducing time delays due to constituent mixing processes in water quality simulation models that make use of advection-diffusion equation such as Qual2kw, the findings of this study can help for better understanding of the contaminant’s accumulation levels and their rate of transport in water resource. These will assist, for example, water-quality protection agencies such as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) for the need to generate efficient and effective remedial strategies to control or mitigate hazardous or risks arising from water pollution.

Concurrent 23. Presentation for: Safety zones and decommissioning

Presented on Thursday 19 May: Session 23 Australia’s oil and gas sector expects approximately 56 billion (AUD) to be expended for decommissioning costs over the next 50 years. The view of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is that the designated decommissioning approach must provide equal or better environmental outcomes when compared to full removal of the infrastructure (considered the ‘best case’ expectation under current legislation) and meets as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) levels of risk. Decommissioning alternatives are generally evaluated through a comparative multicriteria assessment approach, for example, a net environmental benefit analysis-based comparative assessment (NEBA-CA). Decommissioning options cover a range of possibilities, from full removal to leaving subsea structure in situ (in part or in whole). NEBA-CAs we have conducted suggest that some subsea structures are projected to generate significant ecological and social value over multiple generations to come. Thus, in these cases, management in situ can provide greater benefits to the public when compared to full removal. During operation, oil and gas assets typically incorporate a safety zone. If subsea structure is selected to be managed in situ, a question that arises is, should the safety zone be maintained or removed? Our experience indicates that if the safety zone is removed after decommissioning an asset that is left in situ, there may likely be a greater adverse impact on ecological and social values, depending upon the asset location. This abstract showcases the value of the use of safety zones to maximise environmental value while managing risk. To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

Safety zones and decommissioning

Australia’s oil and gas sector expects approximately 56 billion (AUD) to be expended for decommissioning costs over the next 50 years. The view of the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is that the designated decommissioning approach must provide equal or better environmental outcomes when compared to full removal of the infrastructure (considered the ‘best case’ expectation under current legislation) and meets as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) levels of risk. Decommissioning alternatives are generally evaluated through a comparative multicriteria assessment approach, for example, a net environmental benefit analysis-based comparative assessment (NEBA-CA). Decommissioning options cover a range of possibilities, from full removal to leaving subsea structure in situ (in part or in whole). NEBA-CAs we have conducted suggest that some subsea structures are projected to generate significant ecological and social value over multiple generations to come. Thus, in these cases, management in situ can provide greater benefits to the public when compared to full removal. During operation, oil and gas assets typically incorporate a safety zone. If subsea structure is selected to be managed in situ, a question that arises is, should the safety zone be maintained or removed? Our experience indicates that if the safety zone is removed after decommissioning an asset that is left in situ, there may likely be a greater adverse impact on ecological and social values, depending upon the asset location. This abstract showcases the value of the use of safety zones to maximise environmental value while managing risk.

Assessment of Hazardous Waste Management in Oil Drilling Fields in Turkana

The assessment of hazardous waste management at the oil drilling fields of Lokichar basin, Turkana County has been analysed. The area is known as Block 10BB and 13T of the oil exploration in Kenya. The study examined the types of waste generated by the activities in the study area and characterized the waste into different streams and classes. The classes of waste examined were primarily hazardous waste or non-hazardous waste contaminated with hazardous materials. Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority’s(NEMA) Waste Management Act of parliament, 2006 was used to classify waste into different streams, and also as a yardstick against which the compliance level of the waste management strategies in the oil fields were gauged.
 Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and schedules as the main tools. These were administered on the environmental department of the oil drilling company, which was the key respondent in this study. The approach used in this research is majorly a case study. One questionnaire and direct interviews were administered on the environmental monitor of the oil drilling company.
 The hazardous waste contained hydrocarbons and other oily substances. Chemical wastes were also seen in the waste generated from the drilling muds. These were classified as directly-generated waste. Some of the waste, especially timber and plastics were generated as a result of transportation of cargo that contaminated the packaging. These were classified as indirectly-generated waste.

Plastic Handling and Pollution, a Study on the Effect of “Polluter Pays” Principle in Lodwar Town, Turkana County, Kenya

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2022,12,2,39-45.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2022.2.9Published:April 2022Type:Review ArticlePlastic Handling and Pollution, a Study on the Effect of “Polluter Pays” Principle in Lodwar Town, Turkana County, KenyaNakusi Peter, Stanslaus Kiilu Musyoki, and Alexander M Mbeke Nakusi Peter1,*, Stanslaus Kiilu Musyoki1, Alexander M Mbeke2 1School of Health Sciences, Kisii University, Kisii, KENYA. 2School of Health Sciences, Laikipia University, KENYA. Abstract:Aim/Background: The rapid growth of population in many developing countries has led to an increased generation of waste notably plastic and this has led to a serious environmental problem, which is of great public health concern. Unacceptable plastic waste disposal, due to insufficient human and financial capacity, is a challenge facing Kenya and other developing countries. This study investigated the effect of “polluter pay” principle on plastic handling and pollution in Lodwar town Turkana County. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectionaldescriptive study design targeting residents of Lodwar town, municipal workers, county National Environment Management Authority officers and public health department officers at the county was adopted. Data were then analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: The findings reveal that majority (48.1%) of the residents disagreed that the municipality sets certain fee and charges to the residents for residual waste per household, per square metre living space. In addition, majority (53.9%) also disagreed that Tax system has been put in place for landfill tax for contaminated site remediation. Majority (71.9%) of the residents agreed that Deposit System has been put in place waste types (for example glass bottles, plastic bottles. However, majority (43.2%) of the residents disagreed that there is producer responsibility driven systems for packaging, electric/electronic waste. From the chi-square analysis the “Polluter Pays” Principle is statistically significantly (X2=93.572) associated with plastic waste handling. Conclusion: The study concludes that “polluter pays” principle have a significant effect on plastic waste handling in Lodwar municipality. Contrary the municipality has not put in place for landfill tax for contaminated site remediation. Recommendation: The study recommends that County administration should put in place mechanisms to attract and leverage public private partnership as a vehicle to mobilize resources and enhance private sector participation in sustainable waste management and circular economy development activities. Keywords:Financial resources, Influence, Lodwar municipality, Plastic waste, Waste handlingView:PDF (131.03 KB)

THE IMPACT OF STORM WATERS TO WATER QUALITY IN SPRINGS AND RIVERS OF KISII MUNICIPALITY, KISII COUNTY, KENYA

Storm water causes a major contamination for surface and subsurface waters in both urban and rural areas. In Kisii municipality it is observed that the major source of contaminants are non-point source pollution from farms and urban markets/garages. The study is carried in Kisii municipality on two rivers and five spring sampling a total of nine points, springs (4) and rivers (5) between 2019-2020 were identified through water sampling. Water quality parameters (Ammonium, Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids, Electrical Conductivity, Total Coliform Count, Fecal Coliforms, Total Nitrates, PH, Hardness, Colour, Dissolved Oxygen Concentration and Total Suspended Solids) were measured and determined using Gebesys 10S VIS Spectrophotometer at Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute laboratories in Kisumu. Overall mean of five parameters (Ammonium, Total Nitrates, Total Phosphates, fecal and total coliforms) exceeded recommended World Health Organization and National Environmental Management Authority standards. Maximum values of turbidity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and hardness exceed these standards during the wet period.

Effects of Adherence to Environmental Rules and Regulations in Stone Quarrying at Tuluongoi Sublocation of Baringo County, Kenya

Stone quarrying has been recognized as a socioeconomic activity serving as a fundamental source of livelihood for some communities. Nonetheless, most operations are often accompanied by adverse effects on the same communities and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness of environmental rules, regulations, and principles governing stone quarrying in Tuluongoi sublocation, Tenges Division, Baringo County. The study also sought to establish whether there is a linkage between awareness of environmental rules, principles, and regulations governing stone quarrying and the impacts on the environment. Two villages were chosen for the study. The stratified sampling procedure was used to pick 120 households from the two villages, the total number (97) of regular quarry workers was enumerated, and purposive sampling was used to select six key informants. The quarry workers and household heads were the primary units for data collection. Primary data were collected by using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and pictorials. Secondary data were obtained from census reports, peer-reviewed journals, county strategic plans, unpublished theses, and scholarly books. Some data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while the SPSS software was used to generate tables, graphs, and frequencies. The chi-square procedure was used to test whether the awareness of environmental rules and regulations on stone quarrying were significantly independent of environmental degradation at the 0.05 significance level. The study established that 55.1% of quarry workers and 65% of household heads were unaware of any environmental rules, regulations, and principles governing stone quarrying. Out of those aware, 88.9% of household heads and 67.7% of quarry workers had poor awareness of environmental regulations and requirements. The study recommends that National Environment Management Authority promotes and enforces environmental rules, regulations, policies, and principles governing stone quarrying in collaboration with the relevant county government departments by enhancing awareness among the residents.

Characteristics of municipal fresh solid wastes from the selected large urban centres in Uganda: Implication for re-use and soil amendment strategies

ABSTRACT In Uganda, the municipal solid wastes are generally a menace to the environment, ranging from indiscriminate dumping, open burning, and landfills, which would be utilized to augment agricultural fields through organic manure. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Uganda, however from 2009 to 2012 initiated and implemented a Clean Development Mechanism project. This project was established and conducted in nine urban centers with the key objective of reducing methane and other environmental nuisances while generating compost manure. The in-coming fresh municipal wastes at composting facilities were sorted into six categories; i) wood and wood products, ii) food and food wastes, iii) textiles, iv) garden, yard and park wastes, v) paper and pulp, and vi) glass, plastics, and metals. These were laboratory analyzed based on standard procedures, characterized and investigated for the pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) (g kg−1). Statistical analyses were performed based on One-Way ANOVA, implemented in the SPSS program. The results indicate that the municipal fresh solid wastes were mainly dominated by biodegradable organic matter; garden, yard, and park wastes (49%), food and food wastes (43.2%), and the other wastes falling below 5.4%. Overall, the pH was 7.7 ± 0.02, TOC 318.2 ± 2.90, TN 12.1 ± 0.10, C/N 26.7 ± 0.20, P 4.4 ± 0.04, K 35.0 ± 0.49, Ca 38.9 ± 0.51, and Mg 5.8 ± 0.09. The concentration of the fresh wastes and macro-nutrients varied per municipality and were congruent with the economic activities and population lifestyles. We detected the effect of season/month on the concentration of wastes which corresponded with the various agronomical activities. The results from this study suggest that the notion of composting is potentially a viable organic waste management strategy in the country which can ultimately generate sufficient organic manure for agricultural input and thus enhanced carbon sequestration. Implications: In this study, we characterized the in-coming fresh municipal solid wastes and investigated the pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) (g kg−1). We found that the municipal fresh solid wastes were mainly dominated by biodegradable organic matter (>90%). The results from this study suggest the notion of composting to be potentially a viable organic waste management strategy in Uganda which can ultimately generate sufficient organic manure for agricultural input. This is typically vital for enhancing carbon sequestration towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tracking industry responsiveness to COVID-19 – what has happened and what lies ahead

This study will provide a longitudinal account of how the Australian offshore petroleum industry has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the response has evolved over time, and will provide a regulatory perspective on the future challenges arising from the changes that have occurred during the industry in response to the pandemic. Since March 2020, the National Offshore Safety and Environmental Management Authority has been actively collecting information about the approach taken by the offshore petroleum industry to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial response focused on infectious disease control measures, identifying strategies to prevent disease transmission on offshore facilities and to respond should an outbreak occur offshore. The next phase considered the potential consequences of the infection control measures on facility safety and integrity, including the impact of reduced personnel on board on safety critical maintenance activities and emergency response capability, assurance of competence profile requirements being sustained on facilities, the long-term consequences of delayed routine maintenance, supply chain disruptions and access to specialist workforce. It became apparent that a rapid recovery to pre-COVID-19 conditions was unlikely, and the impacts would likely continue for some time; and psychosocial and fatigue risk management strategies were explored. Data collection methods included: surveys of operators, workplace inspections, review of documents and records, interviews with members of the workforce and participation in industry working groups.

Deferred maintenance – a major industry challenge?

This paper identifies key areas of concern regarding the use of deferral as a maintenance management tool. As the national regulator for offshore petroleum operations and greenhouse gas storage activities, National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is uniquely positioned to observe the various processes and tools applied by industry in the management of maintenance for offshore facilities, including impacts on safety and the environment, while acknowledging the need for business sustainability. This Extended Abstract provides a regulator’s perspective on the use of ‘maintenance deferral’ by industry as a tool for balancing competing priorities, while ensuring the risks to people and the environment are reduced to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable. It highlights the pitfalls of maintenance deferral that may negatively influence safety and environmental performance over the life of a facility (from construction through to decommissioning) as well as on the business’ bottom line. Learnings identified from non-compliances, improvement recommendations and incidents to promote efficient and effective learning are shared to further enhance existing good practices across the industry.

Procurement Performance Practices and Waste Management in Textile Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County

Waste management in Kenya’s urban centers is becoming a momentous task considering the country’s desire for a middle income industrial economy. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is concerned with the growing rate of waste generation that does not match the rate of collection. Among the industrial sectors that are poised to play a significant role in realization of the middle income industrial status is the textile sector. However, this is a sector that contributes to high volumes of waste generation in Kenya. Yet, it is envisaged that adoption of waste-sensitive procurement could be the panacea to waste management in the sector. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the effect of procurement performance practices on waste management in textile firms in Nairobi City County. This study was grounded on the positivist research paradigm in adopting the ex-post facto research design, to interrogate the direct effects of the three procurement practices on waste management. Cochran’s ample size formula was used to decide on a sample size of 142 employees. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to draw the required sample of employees from the respective textile firms. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising of four sections in line with the four constructs under study. Multiple regressions analyses were run to test the postulations made. The study confirmed that textile firms under investigation were not emphasizing more on waste prevention and minimization when procuring materials. This was deemed to be serious considering that supplierprequalification, invitation to tender, and contract structure were all found to be significant and positive predictors of waste management in the textile firm’s context. The conclusions made from the study findings were that; textile firms in Nairobi City County were facing the challenge of waste management due to their laxity in emphasizing waste-sensitive procurement practices. The firms however stand to gain by leveraging upon supplier pre-qualification, invitation of bids, and contract structure that are centric to waste generation. The findings of this study contribute to the theory and practice of waste management by showing that, waste is best managed at the procurement stage. This therefore implies that textile and waste management stakeholders have the onus of coming up with waste management parameters which, supplier pre-qualification, invitation to tender, and contract structure processes should aim at. Future studies should take into account other procurement practices that can be engaged to prevent and minimize waste. Moreover, there may be need to expand the geographical scope of the firms in order to boost external validity