ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PATTERNS AND

THEIR EFFECTS ON MATHARE RIVER

MOGIRE BERNARD
N50/CTY/PT/24576/2013
Signature: ……………………………. Date: ……………………………….

Department of Environmental Sciences

A research proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of
the degree of Master of Environmental Science in the school of Environmental Studies of
Kenyatta University.

Supervisors:

Dr. Salome

Signature: ………………… Date: …………………………

Department of Environmental Sciences

School of Environmental Studies
Kenyatta University

Dr. Maingi

Signature: ………………… Date: …………………………

Department of Environmental Sciences

School of Environmental Studies
Kenyatta University

MAY 2019
 TABLE OF CONTENT

LISTOFTABLES..............................................................................................................iii
LIST OF FIGURES..........................................................................................................iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.........................................................v
ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................vi
1.0 INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the Study...............................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the Problem...............................................................................................4
1.3 Research Questions........................................................................................................5
1.4 General Objective..........................................................................................................6
1.4.1 Specific Objectives..............................................................................................6
1.5 Significance of the Study...............................................................................................6
1.6 Scope of the Study.........................................................................................................7
1.7 Assumptions of the Study..............................................................................................7
1.8 Limitations of the Study.................................................................................................8
1.8.1 Respondents Unwillingness.................................................................................8
1.8.2 Fear of Victimization...........................................................................................8
1.9 Conceptual Framework..................................................................................................8
1.10 Definition of Key Terms..............................................................................................9
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................10
2.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................10
2.2 Solid Waste Management in a Global Context............................................................11
2.3 Contextualizing solid waste management in sub-Saharan African cities....................13
2.3.1 Waste collection and transportation..................................................................15
2.3.2 Solid Waste Disposal Practices.........................................................................17
2.4 Summary and Research Gaps......................................................................................19
3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................21
3.0 Introduction..................................................................................................................21
3.1 Study area.....................................................................................................................22
3.2 Research design...........................................................................................................22

ii
3.3 Target Population.........................................................................................................23
3.4. Sample and Sampling Technique................................................................................24
3.5 Data Collection Methods.............................................................................................25
3.6 Pilot Study....................................................................................................................26
3.6.1 Validity..............................................................................................................26
3.6.2 Reliability..........................................................................................................27
3.7 Data Collection Procedure...........................................................................................27
3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation...................................................................................28
3.9 Ethical Considerations.................................................................................................28
APPENDICES..................................................................................................................36
APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER.....................................................................36
APPENDIX II: RESPONDENTS QUESTIONNAIRE....................................................37
APPENDIX III: ACTIVITY SCHEDULE........................................................................43
APPENDIX IV: BUDGET................................................................................................44

iii
 LISTOFTABLES

Table 3.1 Target Population………………………………………..…………………23

Table 3.2 Sample Size…………………………………………….…………………..25

iv
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework……………………………………………….…….9

v
 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act

JICA Japanese International Cooperation Agency

NRB Nairobi River Basin

UNDESA United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UN-Habitat United Nations Human Settlement Programme

vi
 ABSTRACT

In Kenya, it is estimated that about 30% to 40% of the total solid waste generated in
urban areas is uncollected and less than 50% of the total urban population is served This
study will be focused towards assessing the domestic solid waste disposal patterns of the
residents along Mathare River and their effects on the river. The study will be guided by
the following specific objectives: To identify the types of domestic solid wastes disposed
in the river by the residents along Mathare River; To quantify the level of pollutants that
may be linked to domestic solid wastes disposed in the river by the residents along
Mathare River; To identify domestic solid waste disposal approaches and patterns
employed by residents along Mathare River; To establish the level of awareness on
domestic solid wastes disposal by the residents along Mathare River; To find out factors
that hinder safe disposal of domestic solid wastes by the residents along Mathare River.
The study will be carried out in Mathare Valley located in Mathare Sub-County in
Nairobi County. A descriptive research design will be used for the study. The target
population of this study will comprise of 80,309 residents of Mathare Valley. Stratified
random sampling technique will be used to generate a total sample size of 403
respondents with each of the 13 villages contributing 31 respondents to the sample. Data
will be collected using questionnaires which will contain both closed and open ended
questions. Data will be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative data
will be analyzed thematically while quantitative data will be analyzed by the aid of
statistical software (S.P.S.S). The findings of the study will later be presented in tables
and figures.

vii
 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Most cities around the world have grown tremendously since industrial revolution. It has

been estimated that by 2025 approximately two-thirds of the world’s population will be

living in cities as a result of rapid urbanization (UNEP, 2005). As the population

increases and cities grow, a high proportion from rural areas is steadily tilting towards

urban areas shifting the socio- economic equilibrium and state of the global environment.

By 2008, half of the world’s population was already living in urban areas (UN-Habitat,

2008). Even though urbanization process itself doesn’t pose a serious challenge,

unplanned population growth impacts negatively on the environment resulting to

different kinds of pollution such as water and air pollution and solid waste generation due

to changes in people’s lifestyles and consumption patterns (Chimuka and Ogola, 2015;

Troschinetz and Mihelcic, 2009).

Rapid growth in population accompanied by migrations from rural areas to urban areas

and industrialisation has greatly contributed to urbanization. Only 30% of the world’s

population lived in urban areas in 1950, 54% in 2014 and a projected over 70% by 2020

(Nzeadible, 2009). Africa as a continent is currently experiencing faster urbanization

process as compared to late 1990s and it is expected to experience the fastest urbanization

process between 2020 and 2050. As a result, African cities have continued to experience

rapid growth of waste generation, which is directly linked to modernisation and

urbanization processes (Bolaane, 2006; Nzeadible, 2009).

1
Since the nineteenth century, just like other developing continents such as Latin America

and Asia, Africa has been experiencing great problems as far as solid waste management

is concerned. This has resulted to unprecedented demand on their local governments to

provide services such as waste collection, transportation, treatment and disposal

(Simelane and Mohee, 2012). These new developments have placed many local

authorities under immense pressure to provide efficient and effective waste collection

Services in the cities (Mutanga et al., 2013 and Gumbo & Simelane, 2015). Despite these

authorities spending between 20% and 50% of their revenue on waste management

processes and practices, they still only manage to collect 50% to 80% of the total waste

generated to landfill sites (Wilson and Velis 2014). Local authorities in most sub-Saharan

cities, which have traditionally been at the centre of managing solid waste in their

jurisdictions, have repeatedly demonstrated a lack of capacity to effectively meet the

demand for efficient and proper waste management practices (Okot-Okumu, 2012).

Kenya is not an exception when it comes to ineffective and inefficient solid waste

management. This scenario is apparently as a result of the exodus of people from the

rural areas to urban areas in search for jobs to better their lives. However, the

deterioration and stagnation of the urban economy, coupled with rapid urbanization have

created enormous pressure on the county governments who have become overwhelmed

and unable to provide adequate and equitable waste management services to the various

segments of the urban population (Kubanza and Simatele, 2015; Chimuka and Ogola,

2015; Troschinetz and Mihelcic, 2009). The collection and disposal systems applied by

the county governments are inefficient and not environmentally friendly (Gakungu,

2011).
2
In Kenya, it is estimated that about 30% to 40% of the total solid waste generated in

urban areas is uncollected and less than 50% of the total urban population is served

(Otieno, 2010). Up to 80% of the solid waste transport facilities including the vehicles are

un-operational and as such are out of service and in need of serious repairs. Otieno (2010)

further argues that if the issue of sustainable solid waste management in Kenya is not

considered urgently, all the towns in Kenya will be engulfed in waste. County managers

have opted for the development of sanitary landfills around the periphery of their cities as

a first solution. Landfills however, require the acquisition of large areas as well as good

day-to-day operation in order to minimize potential negative environmental impacts.

To respond to environmental challenges posed by solid waste generated in urban areas,

Kenya reviewed its laws and related policies and enacted the Environmental Management

and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999. The Act gives rights and confers duties to

individuals to safeguard and enhance the environment. It guarantees every Kenyan a

clean and healthy environment. These provisions also envisage protection of the

environment for the benefit of the present and future generations. This is also envisaged

in Kenyan Vision 2030. The Constitution of Kenya under section 42 provides the right of

every person to a clean and healthy environment which includes the right to have the

environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations.

3
1.2 Statement of the Problem

Just like other sub Saharan countries, Kenya is not an exception when it comes to

challenges pertaining to solid waste management. There has been a growing trend of city

pollution in Kenya through inappropriate waste management which is becoming evident

particularly in the spontaneous settlements and around the city outskirts. Large parts of

these settlements, especially poor settlements like Mathare, Korogocho, Kibera, Dandora,

Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru Kayaba, Huruma, Kayole among others, are becoming

untidy due to improper domestic waste disposal and low participation in domestic waste

recycling which poses as both health risk to its residents and environmental degradation.

These settlement regions still continue to lurk in uncollected solid waste despite the fact

that Nairobi County Government, which is mandated to ensure that all its residents live in

waste free environments as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya under section 42

which provides the right of every person to a clean and healthy environment.

As the urban population in Nairobi grows, so does solid waste management burden, a

situation worsened by poor funding for urban sanitation departments and a lack of

enforcement of sanitation regulations (Troschinetz and Mihelcic, 2009). Without proper

controls, solid waste is often dumped and let to accumulate in abandoned sites, open

spaces, markets, drains and on the roadside every day (JICA, 2008). In Nairobi, for

example, generated solid waste is taken to the Dandora dumping site, a former quarry.

Residents living close to the dumpsite are therefore exposed to environmental and disease

risks. The disposal sites are, in most cases, located in environmentally sensitive, low-

laying areas such as wetlands, forest edge or adjacent to bodies of water. They often do

4
not have liners, fences or soil covers hence the wastes end up finding their way to water

bodies like the nearby rivers (Troschinetz and Mihelcic, 2009). Based on the observations

the slums are the least served by the city's waste collection system, and with over 46

slums located within the Nairobi River Basin (NRB), and all lacking in basic sanitary

provisions, rivers in the basin have been recipients of most of the waste. Mathare being

the second largest slum in Kenya, following Africa’s biggest slum, Kibera (UN-Habitat,

2010) tend to occupy marginal lands (flood plains, valleys, wetlands, waste dumps) is

characterized by lack infrastructure and facilities; substandard structures; over

crowdedness; inadequacy of clean water; lack proper sanitary facilities and presence of

uncollected domestic solid wastes in almost all of its corners, some finding their way into

Mathare river which passes through the slum. It is against these observations that this

study seeks to assess the domestic solid waste disposal patterns of the residents in slum

regions with the point of focus on Mathare region and further establish the effects of the

domestic solid wastes disposed in Mathare River on the river.

1.3 Research Questions

This study will seek to answer the following questions:

i. What types of domestic solid wastes are being disposed in the river by the

residents along Mathare River?

ii. Which domestic solid waste disposal approaches and patterns are being employed

by residents along Mathare River?

iii. What is the level of awareness on domestic solid wastes disposal by the residents

along Mathare River?

5
 iv. Which factors hinder safe disposal of domestic solid wastes by the residents along

Mathare River?

1.4 General Objective

The main objective of this study will be to assess the domestic solid waste disposal

patterns of the residents along Mathare River and their effects on the river

1.4.1 Specific Objectives

This study will be guided by the following specific objectives

i. To identify the types of domestic solid wastes disposed in the river by the

residents along Mathare River.

ii. To identify domestic solid waste disposal approaches and patterns employed by

residents along Mathare River.

iii. To establish the level of awareness on domestic solid wastes disposal by the

residents along Mathare River.

iv. To find out factors that hinder safe disposal of domestic solid wastes by the

residents along Mathare River.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study will influence the practice of County Governments who are responsible in the

management of municipal waste. In the attempt to deal with poor solid waste

management, the county governments will focus on specific issues of municipal solid

waste management. Henceforth they will base their practices, decisions and other

managerial behaviors on products of research that are specific to their situations. The use

6
of such specific knowledge will not only help shape the Mathare River rehabilitation, but

will also promote a clean environment and create economic, social, environmental and

recreational opportunities for those living in the Mathare Slums, the larger Nairobi city

and those further downstream.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study will focus on examining the domestic solid waste disposal patterns of the

residents along Mathare River and their effects on the river. It will only focus on the

villages on the fringes of the Mathare River as they are the ones who are most likely to

pollute the river by disposing solid wastes into the river due to its proximity to them. The

study will be conducted between July and August of 2019.

1.7 Assumptions of the Study

The study will be based on the following assumptions

i. The university management will cooperate with the researcher and offer

assistance where possible during data collection process

ii. The respondents will cooperate with the researcher and give accurate information

when asked to

iii. The respondents will not hold any useful information back due to unwillingness

or fear of intimidation

iv. The respondents will be available during the data collection process

7
1.8 Limitations of the Study

1.8.1 Respondents Unwillingness

The highly expected limitation in this study would be that most respondents may consider

some information as confidential and hence may not be willing to reveal most of it. The

researcher intends overcome the limitation by having a letter of introduction from the

university to assure the respondents that the information provided would be used for

academic purpose and would thereby be treated with confidentiality.

1.8.2 Fear of Victimization

Some of the respondents approached may be reluctant in giving information fearing that

the information to be sought may be used against them or to intimidate them or print a

negative image about them. The researcher will handle the problem by assuring them that

the information they will give will be treated confidentially and it will be used purely for

academic purposes.

1.9 Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework refers to the theoretical structures of assumptions, principles and

rules that hold together the ideas comprising a broad subject. From the following

conceptual framework, the independent variables are the types of wastes disposed in the

river, domestic solid waste disposal patterns, level of awareness on domestic solid waste

disposal and hindrances to safe domestic solid waste disposal. These variables are

assumed to have a control over the pollution of Mathare River which is the dependent

variable. The improved newspaper readership may flourish, if a well formed new and

innovative newspaper features and segments are incorporated.

8
 Independent variables Dependent variable

Types of Wastes Disposed in the

River
 Physical wastes
 Chemical wastes
 Biological wastes

Domestic Solid Waste Disposal

Patterns/Practices Pollution of Mathare River
 Open burning  Physical waste levels
 Recycle  Chemical wastes levels
 Dumping  Biological wastes levels

 Landfill

Level of Awareness on Domestic Intervening Variables

Solid Waste Disposal  Government Policies on waste
disposal

Hindrances to Safe Domestic

Solid Waste Disposal

Figure 1.1 Conceptual framework

1.10 Definition of Key Terms

Solid waste: Non-hazardous domestic, commercial and industrial refuse

including household organic waste, hospital and institutional

garbage, street sweepings, and construction wastes

Domestic Solid Waste: Refers to solid wastes that are generated within the household

Reduction: Using fewer disposable goods

9
Reuse: Using items after their initial consumer use is past

Recovery: Recapturing the material or energy value of the item at its

highest point

Pollution: Refers to the introduction of contaminants into the natural

environment resulting to adverse effects.

10
 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

In this chapter the researcher will focus review literature related to solid waste

management. The review is conceptualized under the objectives of the study.

2.2 Solid Waste Management in a Global Context

The issues of solid waste management have caused problems worldwide as a result of

immense volumes of waste generated as a result of human lifestyles. Currently, major

contributors to increased waste generation globally include rapid population growth,

higher economic development and improving human lifestyles (Minghua et al., 2009).

Annually, approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of solid waste is being generated and by 2020

this figure is projected to surpass the double mark (Gardner, 2012). Due to continuous

growth of large amounts of solid waste being generated, it has resulted to a growing

concern on the ecological impact associated with improper waste management, which

results in waste degradation and the release of noxious emissions (Karak et al., 2012).

In spite of the challenges faced by both the developed and the developing countries

around the world on solid waste management, the first-world countries are in the fore

front in management of the solid wastes in a way that they have made municipal solid

waste management a priority by developing regulations and sustainable measures

concerning the use of solid waste (for example, waste to energy generation). The

developed countries have established functioning monitoring mechanisms that are

focused in promoting and supporting solid waste in the developing agendas of cities

(Nzeadible, 2009). These monitoring mechanisms have assisted the developed countries

11
in handling tremendous amounts of wastes in different ways in accordance with the

physical characteristics of the waste generated. The core basis for this approach is the

variation in the physical characteristics of the solid waste generated. . In developed

countries, for example, waste composition tends to be more towards recyclable materials

(Chandrappa and Das, 2012). This is due to the fact that most people prefer readymade

and packed products in developed countries whereas in developing countries it is the

other way round, in that, people prefer highly depend on subsistence farming, with

limited post-harvest processing of food. Developing countries tend to buy more raw

materials, depend in imported new and used goods, thereby increasing the fraction of

organic wastes (Metin et al., 2003). As a result of this, different countries around the

world apply different waste management practices. Among the best practices include:

proper composting, recycling, waste-to-energy technologies and sanitary landfilling for

the ultimate disposal of wastes (Guerrero et al., 2013).

Despite adoption of effective and efficient means of waste management practices, most

cities still suffer continuously from the indiscriminate dumping of waste, and this is

worsened by negative attitudes about safe and secure disposal (Johari et al., 2012).

Attitude towards participation in waste management is perpetuated by a number of

factors including insufficient recycling and waste disposal facilities; lack of policies

related to waste management, incentives and enforcement measures; lack of access to

collecting, sorting and separating waste facilities and the general mistrust existing among

the residents and the authorities mandated to manage solid wastes (O’Connell, 2011).

Consequently, countries with improved waste management practices and infrastructure

still face challenges which include the recycling of products that are not recyclables and
12
insufficient waste sorting and recycling (Singh et al., 2014).

Medina (2011) established that developed countries generate more solid waste than the

developing countries. These findings were in line with UN-Habitat (2010) report which

stated that the average solid waste generation rate for developing countries being less

compared to the one for developed countries. The reason behind these differences is that

individuals in developed countries tend to have a higher income, a higher standard of

living and GDP per capita (Simelane and Mohee, 2015 & Mohee and Bundhoo, 2015).

Consumption of goods and series escalate as disposal income and living standards

increase resulting to increased amount of solid waste generated (Chen, 2010 & Khjuria et

al., 2010).

2.3 Contextualizing solid waste management in sub-Saharan African cities

Many cities in sub-Saharan African countries are experiencing high rates of population

growth in urban areas as a result of increased processes of migration, urbanization and

industrialization (Simelane and Mohee, 2015). These processes have resulted to not only

increase in urban population as a result of rural urban migration but also increased

amount of solid waste generated. These changes have unfortunately taken place in a

context of economic stagnation and deterioration coupled with weak institutional and

policy frameworks. Liyala (2011) and Simatele and Etambakonga (2015) stated that

financial resources inadequacy has not only resulted to difficulties in effectively

management of solid waste resources by local authorities but has also prevented people

from establishing solution to urban based challenges. Kubanza and Simatele (2015) are of

the view that the available local authority resources have not been able to provide

13
services to the growing urban population such as maintenance of roads, sewerage and

water systems, infrastructure for waste management, and for running and supplying

socio-economic amenities.

The deleterious economy in most of the sub-Saharan African countries is having

pronounced impacts on all sub-sectors of the urban economy, particularly on the urban

poor (Gumbo and Simelane, 2015). They further observed that there is a very high

inadequacy in provision of the regular collection and disposal of household waste

especially in poor neighborhood. The waste that is generated is hardly collected and

therefore is dumped on any available space within the city (Simatele and Simatele, 2014).

Despite the above observations, the entire solid waste management process still remains

unsolved problem in most suburbs of African cities (Cheru, 2002). Poor waste removal in

these cities is mainly as a result of weak institutional frameworks, inadequacy of skilled

labor and deteriorations in economy (Simatele and Kubanza, 2015). These factors have

resulted to solid waste management process becoming a challenge and negatively

impacting on the environmental wellbeing of many African countries. As a result, waste

collection is still overlooked in sub-Saharan African cities with solid waste collection

rates ranging from 20% to 80% (Mohee and Bundhoo, 2015).

In most cities in sub-Saharan African countries, illegal open dumping and uncontrolled

burning practices are employed to reduce the mountains of stinking refuse (Mohee and

Bundhoo, 2015). In his research, Henry et al.,(2006) established that the core reason for

this poor practice may be due to lack of appropriate infrastructure and regulations, lack

of education, poverty and very little or no government willingness to implement a proper

14
waste management strategy. Kubanza & Simatele (2015) and Simatele & Etambakonga

(2015) observe that only 15 % of the total solid waste generated in Lusaka is collected,

17 % of the total solid waste generated in Dares Salaam is collected and 13 % of the total

solid waste generated in Kinshasa is collected. This was attributed to poor infrastructure

and a lack of refuse trucks. As a result of the above state of affairs, low income areas in

sub-Saharan African cities not serviced by accessible roads have tended to sink in sewage

and piles of stinking waste since these areas cannot have access to trucks (El-khattam et

al., 2011 and Cheru, 2002).

Most of the cities within the sub-Saharan African countries still lack appropriate policies

and legislations that focus towards supporting investments related to waste recycling. In

instances where these policies and legislative instruments exist, their application has

proven to be inconsistent (Sentime, 2014). Mudhoo et al. (2015) argued that lack of such

policies have greatly contributed to failure in establishing appropriate strategies,

approaches and technologies that would have assisted in effective solid waste

management practices.

2.3.1 Waste collection and transportation

As African countries continue to experience rapid urbanization, most of them are being

faced by dramatic deterioration on the supply of basic infrastructure and urban services in

regards to waste management process due to their economic situation (Simatele and

Simatele, 2015; Okot- Okumu, 2015). Therefore, solid waste collection and

transportation still remains a costly practice in solid waste management system (Chimuka

15
and Ogola, 2015). A combination of lack of provision of solid waste transport services

and poor road maintenance services collectively have negatively impacted solid waste

collection and recycling. Increased deterioration in both their national and local

economies has resulted in increased informalisation of employment and settlement

patterns, a combination that has led to the horizontal growth of urban areas (Mbuligwe

and Kassenga, 2004; Henry et al., 2006). This contemporary growth patterns as led to

further stretching of the already limited infrastructure, facilities and services even more

thinly(Simatele and Simatele, 2014; Simatele et al., 2012b).

This is contrary to developed counties, whose domestic solid wastes in most cases are

placed at nearby centres and already separated as per their source (Mohee and Simelane,

2015). Mohee and Simelane (2015) argued that in most of the African cities, 95% of

solid waste generated by the residents is neither collected nor recycled. Tukahirwa and

Lukooya (2015) stated that the socio-economic facilities and amenities existing in most

African cities essential for upgrading the lies of its residents and urban productivity are

now extremely inadequate and deteriorating at a very high rate making it difficult for

local authorities to manage urban processes like solid waste management. Previous

studies have suggested that population sizes, population density, size of an area,

generated municipal solid waste, social justice, distance, design of streets and the level

of traffic congestion impact the cost collection and transportation of municipal solid

waste (Mohee and Bundhoo, 2015).

Just as many other developing countries, Kenya faces similar challenges when it comes to

collection of solid waste. In their research, Simelane and Mohee (2015) and Koushk et

16
al., (2004) stated that the starting point as far as the improvement of the solid waste

management system is concerned is establishing source separation at household level and

introduction of transfer stations. In their view, they indicated that these transfer stations

have the capacity to greatly bring down costs as collection trucks will not be passing each

of the households to collect solid waste. However, Chimuka and Ogola (2015) observed

that transfer stations could be subjected to vandalism by waste pickers and even stray

dogs, thus ending up as human and environmental health hazards. Therefore the most ital

argument is that if source separation is to be part and parcel of the waste management

system and the waste pickers are organized, then local authorities can provide security for

transfer stations which can further help to minimize the volume of waste that goes to the

landfill.

2.3.2 Solid Waste Disposal Practices

Most of the developed countries have specific and well defined procedures for proper

disposal of solid wastes. These disposal procedures entail workable legislations,

regulations and action plans (Mohee and Bundhoo, 2015). However, in most African

countries, proper solid waste treatment and disposal practices are very minimal and most

of them end up dumping over 85% of solid waste generated rather than recycling it

(Chimuka and Ogola, 2015). Poor and marginalised areas in urban areas of the

developing countries still face huge challenges as far as disposal of solid waste is

concerned due to uncollected and illegally dumped waste that is a disaster for human

health and in environmental degradation (Simelane, 2015). Medina (2011) on her

research on challenges of waste management on developing countries established that

17
90% of the solid waste collected end up in open dumps. Of the small amount of waste

collected, only a small fraction received proper disposal while the remaining fraction is

improperly disposed of, resulting in severe ecological and health effects (Mohee and

Bundhoo, 2015). In Lesotho, the situation is even worse as only 7% of the urban

households’ solid wastes are collected while the ones generated from the rest of the

households are dumped in open spaces. Gaborone (Botswana) and Maputo

(Mozambique), on the other hand, dispose in open dumps, rather than in regulated landfill

sites. The situation is also the same in Lagos (Nigeria) where the city decorated by heaps

of garbage pile up in every street corner (Afon, 2005 and Afon, 2012). This situation as

observed by Henry et al., (2006) accounts to the lack of education and politically

instability among cities.

Besides dumping, most African countries frequently practice landfilling with Madagascar

and Mauritius landfills accounting for 97% and 91% of their solid waste, respectively

(Chimuka and Ogola, 2015). Morocco and Mauritania landfills 28% and 37.3% of ifs

collected solid waste whereas Tunisia landfills 65% of its collected solid waste

(Hoornweg and Bhada-Tata, 2012). Therefore this implies that, still much needs to be

done as far as adoption of other waste disposal options and practices such as composting

and increased recycling to reduce the quantities of wastes subjected to the landfill sites

(Sharholy et al., 2008 and Chimuka & Ogola, 2015).

There is a great need for most of the African countries to adopt modern method of solid

waste management which embraces technology and at the same time environmentally

18
friendly as adopted by the already developed countries (Chimuka & Ogola, 2015). In as

far as this is yet to be realized in most of the African countries, Chimuka and Ogola

(2015).argued that that disposal and treatment technologies, such as engineered sanitary

landfill, composting and incineration, are now emerging in developing countries and that

the problem of solid waste management is decreasing with the introduction of proper

regulations and infrastructure. In view of the above observations, it can be deduced that

proper waste management system is dependent on various factors, such as government

incentives, proper infrastructure, applicable laws and regulations and public awareness

and willingness (Gumbo and Simelane, 2015).

2.4 Summary and Research Gaps

The issues of solid waste management have caused problems worldwide as a result of

immense volumes of waste generated as a result of human lifestyles. Currently, major

contributors to increased waste generation globally include rapid population growth,

higher economic development and improving human lifestyles (Minghua et al., 2009). In

spite of the challenges faced by both the developed and the developing countries around

the world on solid waste management, the first-world countries are in the fore front in

management of the solid wastes in a way that they have made municipal solid waste

management a priority by developing regulations and sustainable measures concerning

the use of solid waste (for example, waste to energy generation).

Most of the cities within the sub-Saharan African countries, Kenya included, still lack

appropriate policies and legislations that focus towards supporting investments related to

waste recycling. In instances where these policies and legislative instruments exist, their

application has proven to be inconsistent (Sentime, 2014). Mudhoo et al. (2015) argued

19
that lack of such policies have greatly contributed to failure in establishing appropriate

strategies, approaches and technologies that would have assisted in effective solid waste

management practices. Most of the cities within the sub-Saharan African countries are

still experiencing a very high inadequacy in provision of the regular collection and

disposal of household waste especially in poor neighborhood. The waste that is generated

is hardly collected and therefore is dumped on any available space within the city

(Simatele and Simatele, 2014). In these cities, illegal open dumping and uncontrolled

burning practices are often employed to reduce the mountains of stinking refuse (Mohee

and Bundhoo, 2015). In his research, Henry et al.,(2006) established that the core reason

for this poor practice may be due to lack of appropriate infrastructure and regulations,

lack of education, poverty and very little or no government willingness to implement a

proper waste management strategy.

Most of the developed countries have specific and well defined procedures for proper

disposal of solid wastes. These disposal procedures entail workable legislations,

regulations and action plans (Mohee and Bundhoo, 2015). However, in most African

countries, Kenya in particular, proper solid waste treatment and disposal practices are

very minimal and end up dumping over 85% of solid waste generated rather than

recycling it (Chimuka and Ogola, 2015). Poor and marginalised areas in urban areas of

the developing countries still face huge challenges as far as disposal of solid waste is

concerned due to uncollected and illegally dumped waste that is a disaster for human

health and in environmental degradation (Simelane, 2015).

Though there are a number of research papers on solid waste management, most of the

research covers the developed economies with very little literature existing on solid waste

20
management in Kenya. In Kenya there have been almost non-existent studies on

domestic solid waste management despite the fact that Kenya is one of the countries

experiencing immense challenges on management of solid waste generated, especially in

the poor neighborhood settlements surrounding its major cities. It has also been observed

that, there hardly exists a research done in Kenya to establish impacts of domestic solid

wastes on its water bodies, especially on rivers when domestic solid wastes are dumped

in them. It is due to the scarceness of information in this field that this study seeks to seal

the gaps by analyzing domestic solid wastes disposal patterns in poor neighborhoods and

effects of the approaches the residents apply on rivers passing through their homesteads.

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter outlines a description of the research design, sampling techniques,

population of the study, data collection methods and data analysis procedures that will be
21
used to carry out this study. Kothari (2005) describes research methodology as a

systematic way of solving a research problem. Creswell (2003) further defines research

methodology as the approach by which the meaning of data is extracted and the way

research is conducted. This chapter highlights the research design that will be used in the

study. It also covers the population, sampling techniques, research instruments, data

collection procedures and data analysis technique.

3.1 Study area

The study will be carried out in Mathare Valley located in Mathare Sub-County in

Nairobi County. The area is comprised of thirteen villages: Mashimoni, Mabatini, village

No.10, Village 2, Kosovo, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, Gitathuru, Kiamutisya, and Kwa Kariuki.

The settlement is within a valley of the Mathare and Gitathuru Rivers. Mathare Valley is

one of the old east and largest informal settlements in Nairobi. However, the villages on

the fringes of the Mathare River areas are Kosovo to the north which is the largest and to

the south are Kiamutisya, Village 2, 3B, 3C, 3A and village No.10. These areas are

characterized by lack of infrastructure and facilities, substandard structures; are

overcrowded, have inadequate potable water, lack proper sanitary facilities and have an

absence of title and insecurity of tenure (CBS, 2008).

3.2 Research design

This study will use of a descriptive research design. Research design is a roadmap of how

one goes about answering the research questions and distribution will be applied

(Orodho, 2003). According to Cooper and Schindler (2003) a descriptive study is

concerned with finding out the what, where and how of a phenomenon. Descriptive

studies provide factual, accurate and systematic data Mugenda (2012). The choice of the

22
descriptive research design is based on the fact that in this study, the researcher is

interested on the state of affairs already existing in the field and no variable would be

manipulated. This study therefore will be able to generalize the findings to a larger

population. Descriptive design uses a pre-planned design for analysis (Creswell (2003).

In this study, inferential statistics and measures of central, dispersion and distribution will

be applied.

3.3 Target Population

According to Creswell (2003) population is the whole group of individuals or objects

having common observable characteristics from which the researcher wants to generalize

the results of the study. A target population can be defined as a group of people that the

researcher wants to draw a conclusion from (Mugenda and Mugenda, 2003). The target

population of this study will comprise of 80,309 residents of Mathare Valley (2009,

Kenya Population census).

Table 3.1 Target Population

Village Target Population

3a 4059
3b 7433
3c 5316
4a 18776
4b 5681
Gitathuru 3737
Kiamutisya 5825
Kosovo 8085
Kwa Kariuki 5290
Mabatini 1160
Mashimoni 4478

23
No.10 2594
Village 2 7875
Total  Population 80309

3.4. Sample and Sampling Technique

According to Webster (2003) a sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose

properties are studied to gain information about the whole. Sampling on the other hand is

the act, process or technique of selecting a suitable sample or a representation of a whole

population to determine characteristic of the whole population. Stratified random

sampling technique will be used for this study. Orodho (2003) states that stratified

sampling is applicable if a population from which a sample is to be drawn does not

constitute a homogeneous group. Each village will act as a stratum on its own whereby

simple random sampling will be conducted to select households in each stratum whose

household heads will constitute our sample. Population Sample size will be calculated

using the formula below, resulting to a sample size of 398 respondents who will be

divided equally among the thirteen villages.

Where

N -is the population size of the study segment (N=80,309)

n - Sample size of the study segment

e - is the desired margin of error (0.05)

Table 3.2 Sample Size

24
Village Target Population Sample Size
3a 4059 31
3b 7433 31
3c 5316 31
4a 18776 31
4b 5681 31
Gitathuru 3737 31
Kiamutisya 5825 31
Kosovo 8085 31
Kwa Kariuki 5290 31
Mabatini 1160 31
Mashimoni 4478 31
No.10 2594 31
Village 2 7875 31
Total  Population 80309 403

3.5 Data Collection Methods

Creswell (2003) defines data collection as a means by which information is obtained

from the subject of investigation. Primary data will be collected using questionnaires. The

researcher will use a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The

questionnaire will be designed to give a brief introduction and will be divided into

sections representing the various variables adopted for study. For each section there will

be closed and open ended questions which will collect the views, opinion, and attitude

from the respondent. The questionnaire will be self-administered through drop and pick

method to the respondents.

25
The questions will be designed to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The open

ended questions will give unrestricted freedom of answer to respondents. The researcher

will use assistants to distribute by hand the questionnaires to be completed by the selected

respondents. Upon completion, the research assistants will collect the questionnaires and

return to the researcher the completed questionnaires.

3.6 Pilot Study

Marczyk et al (2005) recognize that the pilot test is the start phase in data gathering of the

research process. The pilot test is conducted to identify weaknesses in the data collection

instruments and to provide alternative data for selection of a probability sample.

To avoid misrepresentation and to minimize errors, the researcher will run a pre-test of

the questionnaires before the actual data collection on 20 respondents. The research

instrument will be piloted to ensure validity and reliability. The instruments will be tested

to see if it is gathering the results required, whether there are any ambiguities, test how

long it takes to fill it and eliminate/alter the questions accordingly.

3.6.1 Validity

Validity is the degree to which the sample of test items represents the content the test is

designed to measure Berg and Gall (2011). Validity of the research instrument also refers

to the extent by which the instrument measures what it was intended to Gay (2010).

Analysis of the instrument of study will be done to ensure that important themes of the

study are captured in the questionnaire. During the pilot study, the researcher will ensure

that the respondents interpreted the questions in a uniform way. The content validity will

26
be determined by the supervisors looking at the questions in the questionnaire and check

if they will answer the research questions and addresses the objectives of the study.

3.6.2 Reliability

It is defined as the degree of consistency of the instrument on repeated trials. An

instrument is said to be reliable when it gives consistent findings (Kothari,

2011).Reliability is the measure of consistent results from a test are (Kombo and Tromp,

2003). It’s a question of whether you are likely to arrive at the same findings if a test is

administered to the same population more than once. The researcher will employ test-

retest method to determine reliability. A questionnaire will be administered to nine

respondents. After a week, the same questionnaire will be administered to the same

respondents and a comparison between their previous and latter responses will be made.

The results from the two tests will be correlated using the Spearman-Brown formula and

reliability calculated.

Where r = is the actual correlation between the halves of the instrument. According to

Mugenda and Mugenda (2012), a reliability coefficient of at least 0.80 implies that there

is high degree of reliability of data.

3.7 Data Collection Procedure

The researcher will obtain an introductory letter from the University. After the

introductory letter, the researcher will obtain a research permit from the National

Commission of Science, Technology Innovation (NACOSTI) and proceed to the field to

27
book appointments with the relevant officers. The researcher will then visit the

departments of the respondents to be involved in the study so as to familiarize with the

environment and meet the respondents for the purpose of explaining the reasons for

visits. The researcher will then administer the questionnaires to individual respondents

with the assistance of the research assistants.

3.8 Data Analysis and Presentation

Collected data will be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative data will

be analyzed using the approach of thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is defined as a

method of analyzing and identifying patterns, themes within data, Braun and Clarke

(2013). The step to be involved in data familiarizing include: generating initial codes,

searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes and lastly

producing the report, Braun and Clarke (2013). Statistical software (SPSS) will be used

to analyze quantitative data which will be presented in the tabular and graphical form.

The collected data will be processed before being analyzed.

3.9 Ethical Considerations

Ethics are considered an important dimension in research projects for data collection

processes and to make generalizations. Proper treatment of research participants is the

most important and fundamental issue that researchers must confront (Johnson &

Christenson, 2008). Indeed, the use of appropriate ethics can minimize the harm during

the research process to identify the truth and generalize results against data from people

at one side and people’s rights and values from another side between the respondent and

the researcher, (Cohen et al, 2007).

28
According to Kothari (2004), the ethical standards under reference include

confidentiality, anonymity and privacy. All kinds of research need to be based on four

ethical standards which comprise of informed consent, anonymity, non-harm or

beneficence and confidentiality, De Vaus (2002) and Gorman (2007).

The consent form includes illustrations of the identity of the organization conducting the

research that participant involvement will be voluntary and that their response will be

guarded with respect to confidentiality, Gorman (2007) and De Vaus (2002).

Confidentiality will be made possible through the informed consent letter given to the

respondents. The informed consent will explain the identity of the researcher his/her

voluntary participation including anonymity and confidentiality.

Mertens (2010), anonymity implies the researcher party will not at all cost identify the

respondents. Confidentiality states that the researcher can match names with responses

but ensures that nobody else will have access to them. In terms of confidentiality, this

will be done by describing clearly the information sheet and consent form to participants

before they participate in the questionnaire filling so that they understand everything

associated with the study. They will be assured that data will be treated with utmost

secrecy and not accessible to anyone other than the researcher and the information given

will solemnly be used this research. As for anonymity, participating parties will be

notified that their identities will not be explicitly made public at any stage of this

research. Participants’ anonymity will strictly be adhered to in order to avoid any

contrary impact to them.

29
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APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTION LETTER

Dear Sir/Madam,

36
RE: ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROJECT

I am a postgraduate student at Kenyatta University pursuing Master’s degree in

environmental science. I wish to conduct research on analysis of domestic solid waste

disposal patterns and their effects on Mathare River. A questionnaire has been designed

and will be used to gather relevant information to address the research objectives of the

study. The purpose of writing to you is to kindly request you to grant me permission to

collect information on this important subject.

Please note that the study will be conducted as an academic research and the information

provided will be treated in strict confidence. Strict ethical principles will be observed to

ensure confidentiality and the study outcomes and reports will not include reference to

any individual.

Your acceptance will be highly appreciated

Yours sincerely

Mogire Bernard

APPENDIX II: RESPONDENTS QUESTIONNAIRE

I am Mogire Bernard, a student at Kenyatta University pursuing a Master of Science in

Environmental Science. As part of my coursework, I am expected to present a report
towards that fulfillment. My project is on “Analysis of domestic solid waste disposal
patterns and their effects on Mathare River.”The questionnaire is therefore, to enable me

37
gathering formation towards this endeavor. You are therefore urged to be as impartial as
much as possible in giving your information. Responses given would be treated with
much confidentiality and for academic purposes only.
SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Village…………………………………………………

2. Gender of the respondent

1) Male
2) Female
3. Age of the respondent
1) Below 25 years
2) 25-35 years
3) 36-45 years
4) 46-55 years
5) Above 55 years
4. Highest level of Education
1) None
2) Pre-Primary Education
3) Primary Education
4) Secondary Education
5) Certificate
6) Diploma
7) Bachelors degree
8) Masters degree
9) Other (Specify………………………………………)
5. Number of residents in your household……………………………………………
SECTION B: TYPES OF WASTES DISPOSED IN THE RIVER
1. What types of wastes are generated in your household and the frequency to which
they are dumped into the river?

Generated Frequency of dumping solid waste into the river

Household
Waste Yes No Daily Weekly Monthly Yearly Not at all

38
Plastic papers
Food remains
Containers
Batteries
Glasses
Waste clothes
Metallic wastes
Wooden wastes
Diapers
Bandages
Oils and greases
Used syringes
and needles
Others (specify)
1………………
2………………
3………………
4………………
5………………
6………………
7………………
8………………
9………………

SECTION C: DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PATTERNS

1. How do you dispose solid waste generated from your household?

i. ……………………………………………………………..
ii. …………………………………………………………….
iii. …………………………………………………………….

39
 iv. …………………………………………………………….
v. …………………………………………………………….
vi. ……………………………………………………………
vii. ……………………………………………………………
viii. ……………………………………………………………
ix. ……………………………………………………………

2. Of the above listed disposal approaches, which one do you apply the most.

…………………………………………………………………………

3. Why do you prefer the disposal approach stated in ‘2’ above?

………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Does the county government provide waste picking services in your area?
i. Yes
ii. No
5. If question 4 above is a yes, how do they conduct their service in terms of
frequency of pickings, picking points, packaging materials, costs and any other
item
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

6. Do residents in your area dispose domestic solid waste in the river?

i. Yes
ii. No
7. If question 6 above is a yes, in your opinion, to what extent do they do so?
i. Very great extent

40
 ii. Great extent
iii. Moderate extent
iv. Low extent
v. Very low extent
8. Are there any private waste pickers in your area?
i. Yes
ii. No
9. List the private waste pickers in your area
i. ……………………………………………………………….
ii. ……………………………………………………………….
iii. ……………………………………………………………….
iv. ……………………………………………………………….
v. ……………………………………………………………….
vi. ……………………………………………………………….
10. If question 8 above is a yes, how do they conduct their service in terms of
frequency of pickings, picking points, packaging materials, costs and any other
item
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………

SECTION D: LEVEL OF AWARENESS ON DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE

DISPOSAL
1. To what extent do you agree with the following statements regarding domestic
solid waste disposal. Use the following scale
SD- Strongly Disagree, D-Disagree, N-not Sure, A-agree, SA-Strongly Agree

Statement SD D N A SA

41
Solid waste should be sorted before being disposed
County government should collect solid wastes regularly
to avoid pilling up of waste creating health hazard
Residents should be encourage to recycle waste that can
be reused
Residents should be provided with packaging items to
facilitate easy storage of waste before they are picked
Residents should use protective gears like gloves when
handling corrosive wastes like leaking batteries and other
harmful wastes
Poor waste disposal patterns can cause health hazard to
the community and be detrimental to the environment
Laws should be put in place to prosecute people who
dispose wastes on unauthorized places
Convenient collection point should be introduced within
the residents to make it easy for both the residents and the
collectors
Community based organizations and government agencies
should sensitize the community on proper ways of
disposing solid wastes

SECTION E: HINDRANCES TO SAFE DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

1. Do you experience any challenges in disposing of domestic solid waste?

i. Yes
ii. No
2. If question 1 above is a yes, to what extent?
i. Very great extent
ii. Great extent
iii. Moderate extent
iv. Low extent
v. Very low extent
3. State some of the challenges you have experiences as far as disposal of solid
waste is concerned
i. ……………………………………………………………………
ii. ……………………………………………………………………

42
 iii. ……………………………………………………………………
iv. ……………………………………………………………………
v. ……………………………………………………………………
vi. ……………………………………………………………………
vii. ……………………………………………………………………
viii. ……………………………………………………………………

4. What recommendations are you suggesting that can help mitigate challenges
stated above?
i. ……………………………………………………………………
ii. ……………………………………………………………………
iii. ……………………………………………………………………
iv. ……………………………………………………………………
v. ……………………………………………………………………
vi. ……………………………………………………………………
vii. ……………………………………………………………………
viii. ……………………………………………………………………

APPENDIX III: ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

ACTIVITY Jan 2019 – Jun 2019 - Aug 2019-

May2019 Jul 2019 Sept 2019

1. Proposal write-up and

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 presentation

2. Preparation of research
tools

3. Pilot study

4. Field work (data

collection)

5. Data entry and analysis

6. Project write-up

7 Project submission

APPENDIX IV: BUDGET

ITEM AMOUNT(KSHS)

STATIONERY 15,000

PHOTOCOPYING 10,000

SECRETARIAL SERVICES 6,000

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TRAVELING EXPENSES 20,000

SUBSISTENCE 4,000

STATISTICIAN 30,000

BINDING 5,000

INTERNET 5,000

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 5,000

TOTAL 100,000

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