Assessing the Effects of Waste Management Practices on The Environment: A Case of Ongata Rongai Township in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Waste management practices significantly influence the environment, either promoting sustainability or contributing to environmental degradation. This study assessed the waste management practices in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Kenya, with a focus on evaluating residents' knowledge, practices, environmental impacts, and proposing strategies for improvement. The study aimed to: assess waste management knowledge among Ongata Rongai residents, determine the waste management practices employed, evaluate the effects of these practices on the environment, and recommend strategies to enhance waste management in the township. A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting adult residents of Kware sub-ward. Simple random sampling was used to select respondents, and data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, then analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study revealed 75.3% of respondents had some knowledge of waste management practices. However, 66.8% felt that there was insufficient public information available, indicating gaps in awareness campaigns. In terms of waste management practices, 42.6% of respondents rated the current state of waste collection as fair, while 37.4% deemed it inadequate, citing inconsistent waste collection schedules, limited infrastructure, and lack of adequate disposal options. The majority (86.5%) expressed willingness to participate in recycling programs if established, highlighting potential community engagement in sustainable waste practices. Despite this willingness, the study identified a gap between knowledge and action, with 95.1% of respondents recognizing the environmental risks of poor waste management, including pollution, disease transmission, and habitat destruction. Conclusions drawn from the study indicate that while residents possess moderate knowledge of waste management, the lack of adequate infrastructure and public education campaigns hinders effective waste management practices. The findings highlight that the current waste management systems are not sufficient to mitigate environmental degradation in Ongata Rongai. In particular, the irregularity in county waste collection services, combined with inadequate waste disposal facilities, exacerbates environmental problems such as the accumulation of waste in public areas and contamination of rivers. The study recommends urgent investment in waste management infrastructure by the County Government of Kajiado, including the provision of additional waste bins and proper disposal facilities. A more integrated waste management system that fosters collaboration between the county government and private waste collectors is essential to improving service delivery. Public education campaigns must also be intensified to increase awareness of proper waste disposal practices, with a strong focus on recycling and the environmental impacts of poor waste management. Establishing community-led recycling programs is also recommended as a means to engage residents and promote sustainability. For future research, the study suggests a comparative analysis of waste management practices in similar urban settings to identify best practices that can be adapted to the context of Ongata Rongai. Additionally, more research is needed to explore the correlation between waste accumulation and public health outcomes, particularly focusing on diseases linked to poor waste management practices. Investigating the impact of socioeconomic factors on waste management behaviors will also provide insights for tailoring community engagement strategies. Further studies could also examine the potential for technological innovations, such as smart waste collection systems, to improve efficiency in waste management. By addressing the highlighted gaps and implementing the recommended strategies, Ongata Rongai can significantly reduce the environmental impact of poor waste management practices, foster a culture of sustainability, and improve the health and well-being of residents. CHAPTER ONE