A critique on sustainable cities waste management predicaments; case of Nairobi City, Kenya

Abstract

Waste management predicaments in attaining sustainable city status globally is challenged by increased solid waste generation as a result of rapid urban population and migration. Through a critique lens, solid waste management predicaments in developing countries characterized by inefficiencies; weak institutional capacities and lack of financial prudence. Nairobi City illustrates vividly predicaments through sporadic growth of open dumpsites, blocked drainers and sewers, indiscriminate behavior of littering. This is aided by weak enforcement of solid waste policies and regulations, duplicity of mandates by institutions and limited human resources. This paper undertakes to explicate predicaments in Nairobi City County and is supported by institutional, capacity and planned behavior theories. The study adopted mixed research design with data collection from a sample size of 385 household. Primary and secondary data was collected using questionnaires, key informant interview and focus group discussion; transect walk and desk top analysis. The results support the critique as documented by this paper. The study recommends institutional empowerment to reverse negative predicaments for sustainable global cities.

Keywords: critique, sustainable cities, waste management, predicaments, Nairobi City, Kenya