Waste Management Practices in Kenya Showcasing the practices employed by Mandera Town Residents

Abstract

This article assessed the solid waste management practices in Mandera Town, Mandera County of Kenya, with a focus on residents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). The target population comprised adults aged 18 years and above. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, and a sample of 288 respondents was selected using Fisher’s formula. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires, incorporating a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate KAP related to solid waste management. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing both descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential analyses (chi-square tests and logistic regression). Results indicated that 73.4% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of solid waste management. However, only moderate levels of appropriate waste management practices were reported. Key barriers to effective practice included: inadequate infrastructure and weak policy enforcement, which was cited by 59.0% of the participants. The article recommends strengthening public education on waste segregation, implementing door-to-door waste collection systems, and enhancing enforcement through structured public-private partnerships.