Resource Allocation and Solid Waste Management: A Case of Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

The management of waste remains a major challenge in developing countries. Globally, countries continue to struggle with the generation, disposal, and overall management of millions of tons of waste in cities, and the need to manage the same sustainably. The management of this waste has attracted enhanced attention as tons upon tons of waste lie uncollected across streets, which inconveniences human life, pollutes the environment, and poses a greater public health risk to the population. Municipal authorities’ limited capacity to collect and dispose of solid waste safely, coupled with the exponential growth of African cities' population, has brought about the growing problem of managing solid waste. Nairobi City, with an estimated population of over 4.4 million, generates daily solid waste of about 2,400 metric tons. At least 20% of this waste is plastic. The capacity to manage all this waste effectively, a rapid increase in the population, and a   myriad of challenges in the management of solid waste, increases the degradation of the environment. Inadequate financing, limited appropriate infrastructure and technology, ineffective public sensitization and awareness of proper sanitary practices, and limited good governance practices remain the critical challenges that the management of solid waste faces. One of the key components of effective solid waste management is proper resource allocation. Lack of resources leads to improper solid waste management, which in turn causes unprecedented environmental problems. This study sought to investigate the influence of resource allocation on solid waste management in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Resource Dependence theory anchored the study. Descriptive research design, simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to meet the research objectives requirements. The study targeted 300 members of staff who were drawn from the solid waste department of the County and NEMA officials. Data was collected through a closed questionnaire from a sample size of 90. Of these, there were 74 respondents representing a response rate of 82.2%. From the results, it emerged that resource allocation was significant to the management of solid waste. Proper resource allocation was found to control overspending and lead to more efficiency in solid waste management.