An assessment of the evolution of Kenya's solid waste management policies and their implementation in Nairobi and Mombasa: analysis of policies and practices. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haregu, Tilahun Nigatu; Ziraba, Abdhalah K; Aboderin, Isabella; Amugsi, Dickson; Muindi, Kanyiva; Mberu, Blessing
• Is Part Of: Environment and urbanization. Volume 29:Number 2(2017:Oct.)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 532
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Kenya -- policy analysis -- solid waste management; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Sociology, Urban -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Urbanization -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0956247817700294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-2478

Abstract

This paper provides a summary of the priorities and strategies stipulated by the major solid waste management (SWM) policies in Kenya. It also provides a brief assessment of their implementation in Nairobi and Mombasa, drawing on data from a 2016 community-based study. We found that SWM policies have evolved to specificity in terms of focus, functions and scope. There was a shift from criminalizing solid waste action or inaction to promoting good practices; from generic acts to specific ones; and from centralized mandates to more decentralized responsibilities. However, SWM remains a critical concern and a major challenge in Nairobi and Mombasa as a result of weak institutional structures and capacity, weak enforcement of regulatory frameworks, and the control of the sector by criminal cartels.