PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG SLUM DWELLERS IN MUKURU SLUMS IN KENYA
Abstract
This study aimed at understanding the intrigues behind unending waste management concerns that have continued to bedevil Mukuru slums despite the interventions in place and to develop sustainable mechanisms to address the challenges. The study adopted a descriptive design and tried to understand perceived barriers to sustainable waste management among slum dwellers in Mukuru slums in Nairobi, Kenya. The study targeted key informants drawn from the Nairobi County department of environment, water and sanitation, civil society groups, NEMA and local provincial administration and the community household members in Mukuru slums. The study used stratified sampling technique to select the sample population for the study. Since the study used primary data, different sets of questionnaires were used to collect the data from groups of the respondents. Data collected was screened before final analysis which was aided by statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were also performed to determine the relationship between the poverty, management capabilities, financial resources and regulatory policies on sustainable waste management. Findings revealed that poverty level, financial resources, management capabilities, and regulatory policies greatly influenced sustainable waste management among slum dwellers in Mukuru slums in Kenya. Therefore, the study recommended for integrated waste management approach that is community centered to bring every community member on board and other key stakeholders. On financial resources, the study recommended for robust public-private sector partnership to build up financial capital necessary for management of waste menace and conserve the environment and allocation of more resources. There is a need for more trainings, and awareness creation and formulation of elaborate policies to create autonomy for NEMA to enable the organization implement and enforce its regulations effectively. The study outlined that further studies can be done on the impact of socio-demographic factors, household perceptions and attitudes on waste management and socio-economic factors on sustainable environmental conservation.
Key Words: Waste Management, Sustainable Waste Management, Integrated Waste Management, Poverty, Management Capability
CITATION: Kirea, E. M., & Indeche, A. (2025). Perceived barriers to sustainable waste management among slum dwellers in Mukuru slums in Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 12 (2), 1115 – 1131. http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3261
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61426/sjbcm.v12i2.3261
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