Public Awareness on Prioritization of Waste Management in Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi City County
Abstract
Inadequate environmental education and weak dissemination of waste management information in Dagoretti North Constituency have contributed to widespread illegal dumping of solid waste. In particular, the Kiruta area of Kikuyuware has experienced persistent indiscriminate disposal along major access roads, creating serious environmental degradation and heightened public health risks for residents. Against this backdrop, the study sought to assess public awareness and prioritization of waste management within Dagoretti North, Nairobi City County. Specifically, the study examined the influence of disseminating waste management knowledge to the community, consulting residents on waste management priorities, collaborating with community members, and actively involving the public in waste management decision-making processes. The investigation was anchored in the social capital framework and a stakeholder perspective, recognizing the importance of shared norms, networks, and partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. A descriptive research design was adopted. The target population comprised 33 officers from the Department of Environment and Forestry in Dagoretti North and 20 managers from licensed waste collection companies, yielding a total census of 53 respondents. Primary and secondary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and guided interviews, with a pilot study conducted in Dagoretti South Constituency. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including correlation and regression analysis. Findings revealed strong, positive, and statistically significant relationships between waste management and information dissemination (r = 0.605), community consultation (r = 0.753), community collaboration (r = 0.690), and community engagement (r = 0.729), all at p < 0.05. The study concludes that effective communication and inclusive community participation are critical to improved waste management outcomes. It recommends strengthening information-sharing systems and fostering partnerships among municipal authorities, waste management firms, local leaders, and community groups to develop localized, sustainable waste management programs.
Keywords: Public Awareness, Prioritization, Waste Management, Dagoretti North Constituency, Nairobi City County
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