Working with U-Tena Youth Organization to Address Solid Waste Management

Abstract

Supported by the ARISE responsive challenge fund, the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) worked with the U-Tena youth organization to address solid waste management (SWM). SWM entails collecting, treating, and disposing of solid material that is discarded because it has served its purpose or is no longer useful. SWM is a challenge in informal settlements because of the following: absentee landlords who flout development control orders; inadequate storage containers; indiscriminate disposal by households; unreliable collection by county government; low household incomes; and limited public education. While working in the SWM space, we realised that water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is closely linked with SWM activities. Activities were carried out in Mathare and Viwandani communities in Nairobi, Kenya. This brief presents activities, key outcomes, lessons and recommendations.