Implementation of Solid Waste Management Policies in Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The increasing volume and complexity of municipal solid waste associated with the modern economy and rapid urbanisation are increasing concern worldwide. The management of MSW has become a severe problem for governments, especially in developing countries, partly due to the lack of efficient implementation and enforcement of solid waste management (SWM) policies and legislation. This study investigates the challenges associated with the enforcement of SWM policy and legislation and the available opportunities in urban Kenya. We employed qualitative approaches in the data collection, and a thematic analytical approach was used in analysing the data. The results showed that the bane of the Kenyan SWM sector is poor implementation and enforcement of SWM policies and regulations. The key obstacles included corruption, lack of political will, political interference, and cooperation from the citizenry. Besides, the existing policies and frameworks are not evident in content as expected to drive the future of SWM in the country's cities. The study demonstrated that there is a poor SWM policy implementation and enforcement culture in urban Kenya. Efforts should be made to remove the possible barriers to the effective implementation and enforcement of SWM policies and regulations in the country.