The Role of Environmental Governance in Solid Waste Management, Policy Implementation in Nairobi County

Abstract

Solid waste management in Nairobi County is a growing threat to environmental health and wellbeing if the policy implementation is not governed appropriately. Dumpsites are sprouting everywhere exposing the inefficiencies in the policy implementation in Solid Waste Management. Environmental governance takes center stage in setting standards in policy implementation in terms of capacity, financial prudence and enforcement. The study was guided by this objective; to analyze the existing policy framework on solid waste management and its effectiveness in addressing SWM in Nairobi County.  The study adopted descriptive research design, interrogating the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the policy frameworks in place through a good governance practices. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 385 respondents and 10 key informants’ interviews with specialization in Solid Waste Management. The theoretical framework was based on Institutional theory and capacity building theories which expound the gaps in policy implementation.  Environmental Governance in SWM dominates the development agenda and is key to sustainable waste management. This paper highlights the role of environmental governance in the context of policy implementation and the constraints.

Keywords: Solid waste management, Policy frameworks implementation, Environmental Governance.

DOI: 10.7176/CER/11-10-06

Publication date: November 30^th 2019