Demand for, Awareness on and Constraints to Proper Solid Waste Management in Njoro Division, Nakuru, Kenya

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the demand for waste collection services, awareness on solid waste management and constraints to proper waste management for the community within and around Egerton University, Njoro Campus. Study Design: The research design was a cross-sectional survey whereby data was only collected once from the respondents. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Njoro and Mukungugu sublocation within Njoro location, Njoro division in Nakuru County, Kenya in the period January to December 2009. Methodology: A sample of 220 was drawn from students, tenants, farmers and the business people from within Egerton University and the community around it. A proportionate stratified and systematic sampling design was used. Structured questionnaires were used in data collection whereas analysis was by descriptive and test statistics by use of the statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: Only 3.7% of the respondents reported paying to have their waste collected and disposed while about 40% of those not currently paying were willing to start paying. Only age had a significant influence on amount of money respondents were willing to pay for waste collection while income, education level and awareness did not. The study established that awareness was generally low although it was significantly higher for the population within the University (t=3.594, d.f.=218, p<0.001). The main constraints identified were inadequate knowledge/awareness on proper waste management, irresponsibility and lack of disposal sites. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is need for improved waste management in the area which can be done by developing a waste management strategy for the area, more engagement of the informal sector in waste management and sensitisation of the community on sustainable waste management.