Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Solid waste management is a major environmental and public health concern in many urban areas of developing countries. Kisumu like many urban areas of developing countries is grappling with increasing waste generation, an overflowing dumpsite and pollution from uncontrolled discarding of waste. Sustainable solid waste management has remained elusive in the City due to lack of adequate funding and skilled personnel besides poor public attitude towards waste management. Efforts abound to improve the situation but significant progress is hindered by the difficulties in relocating Kachok dumpsite. Recommendations are made for a sustainable solid waste management system supported by a suitably relocated Kachok dumpsite. This work is part of ‘Governing Food Systems to Alleviate Poverty in Secondary Cities in Africa’ project supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the UK Department for International Development