Waste Disposal in Nairobi: The Pros, Cons, and Solutions

With a population of almost three million people and unplanned urbanization, Nairobi is facing a very real waste disposal crisis. Inadequate and inefficient waste management has led to widespread contamination of the city’s waterways, including the Nairobi River. Waste management is everyone’s responsibility; however, as an individual, there are things that you can do to help reduce the amount of waste produced in your home or work environment. The first step to solving any problem is recognizing there is one. Once you recognize the scope of Kenya’s waste management crisis, you have unlocked the first piece of the puzzle for finding solutions. The following article will discuss some of the key factors contributing to Nairobi’s waste removal issues and introduce strategies for reducing your own personal impact on this growing problem.

What is the Problem?

Nairobi’s waste removal system is not working. In fact, it has not worked for years. Almost 90% of the waste produced in Nairobi is dumped in open-air landfills, polluting the soil and groundwater. The remaining 10% of waste is either incinerated or dumped at sea. None of these methods are sustainable in the long-term. Coastal ecosystems are being negatively impacted by the tons of waste dumped in Kenyan waters each year. More than two-thirds of Nairobi residents do not have access to a proper waste removal service. This has resulted in the proliferation of garbage collection sites throughout the city. Any open, unclaimed space is at risk of being converted into a waste dump. This includes sidewalks, public parks, and the majority of public spaces. The problem is greatly compounded by the lack of public awareness on the significance of waste disposal. In most cases, public awareness is limited to the dangers of being bitten by wild animals rummaging through the waste.

What Caused the Current State of Waste in Nairobi?

Poor municipal governance: The city government lacks the financial and human resources needed to adequately manage Nairobi’s waste removal needs. As a result, the city’s waste management infrastructure has been greatly neglected. Lack of public awareness: There is a general lack of public awareness about the significance of proper waste disposal. This has led to a very low rate of participation in waste collection programs, placing an even greater strain on the city’s limited resources. Lack of proper waste disposal methods: The city lacks the infrastructure necessary for processing and disposing of waste in a way that is environmentally responsible. This has led to a very high rate of open-air dumping. Clearly, this is not a sustainable solution.

Solid Waste Management Practices in Nairobi

Poorly managed landfills: By their very nature, landfills are meant to have a finite lifespan, after which the waste they contain is to be removed and the land restored to its original state. In Kenya, this has never happened. In fact, most landfills in Nairobi have been operating beyond capacity for decades. Inadequate incineration methods: Municipal waste incineration is a costly and inefficient method of waste removal. When it is done properly, it may be an acceptable solution to the problem of waste disposal. However, there are no guarantees that the incinerators in Nairobi are being used in the safest and most efficient manner possible. In many cases, open-air burning is used as a cheap alternative to incineration. Clearly, this is not a sustainable solution.

Strategies to Reduce Your Own Waste in Nairobi

- Reduce the amount of waste you produce. This can be as simple as bringing a reusable coffee mug to work instead of using disposable paper cups. - Shop consciously. Avoid purchasing items that are likely to end up as waste, such as single-use grocery bags and disposable water bottles. - Recycle. Every city has its own unique recycling guidelines. Find out where and how to recycle in your area. - Partner with a local NGO. There are many organizations working to improve waste removal in Kenya. Partnering with one of these organizations can help ensure your efforts to reduce waste have a greater impact. - Report illegal dumping. If you see someone illegally disposing of waste, report it to your local authorities. - Support sustainable businesses. Avoid purchasing from businesses that use disposable items. Instead, try to purchase from sustainable, environmentally conscious businesses.

Conclusion

The waste disposal crisis in Nairobi is real and it is getting worse. However, it is not too late to take action. Solutions to this problem require cooperation and awareness at the individual level. Taking steps to reduce the amount of waste you produce and increasing your participation in local waste removal programs will significantly reduce the impact of this growing problem.