The Impact of Garbage Skips on Solid Waste Management in Kisumu City, Kenya

Abstract

A discrepancy exists between urban growing population, increasing demand for solid waste collection services and capacity of the local government to provide these services. In many developing countries solid waste collection is inadequate and poor, leaving waste uncollected. In Kisumu indiscriminate dumping, irregular collections of waste and inadequate resources are the key problems facing solid waste management. It is estimated that 400 tonnes of waste is generated daily and only 80 tonnes are hauled to disposal site which translate to a collection efficiency of20%. The objectives of the study are to: assess the capacity 01skips in managing solid waste, assess the attitude of urban residents towards use of skips for solid waste management and; examine whether the skips are durable for solid waste management. Quasi Experimental design was used for the study. Using the Krejcie Robert and Morgan Daryle table for determining sample size and the target household population being 56,020, the sample size for the study is 382 households. The households around where the skips were located were chosen through simple random sampling. The data collection techniques included; observations, in-depth interviews through use of questionnaires, check list and key informants' discussions. In data analysis, Quantitative analysis was done through mean, median, mode and range while qualitative analysis was through interviews and observations. Different analysis techniques were used to measure each objective; for objective one, correlation analysis was used, Likert scale by Rensis Likert in 1932 was used to measure objective two, while the material for making the skips combined with the level of maintenance (by G.Waller & D.l Cochrane) were used to measure objective three. Presentation offmdings by meCJ.l1S of report, maps, charts and tables was done. The key fmdings established to be impacting on the use of skips for solid waste management were; inadequate supply, irregular collection of garbage, vandalism of the skips, improved positive attitude towards the use of skips because of their cost effectiveness and that the skips are prone to rusting and rotting thus reducing their life span. In conclusion the skips were effective though inadequate and prone to vandalism. The research recommended provision of adequate skips; regular collection of the garbage, awareness campaign, polluter pays principle for skips vandalization and use of a more durable material for making skips like stainless steel combined with proper maintenance to extend their life span.