Influence of Community Participation in Solid Waste Management on Sustainable Development in Ngong, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract: Community participation in solid waste management (SWM) can greatly enhance sustainable development. The community plays a pivotal role in ensuring that trash is regularly collected, clean-up activities are carried out, and incidences of environmental hazards are reported to the local authority. This active participation ensures that available resources are carefully utilized. Nevertheless, the role of community participation in SWM is often overlooked by decision makers, derailing the process of sustainable development. This study aimed at determining the influence of community participation in SWM on sustainable development in Ngong, Kajiado County, Kenya. Underpinned by the Social Capital Theory, which advocates for strong social networks in any enterprise, the study used a mixed-method approach with a convergent parallel descriptive design combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A total of 289 residents (community leaders, youth, and the elderly) participated in the study and responded to the survey. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and photography-based observation. Data analysis was both descriptive and inferential, processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were presented in tables, graphs, and charts, while inferential analysis employed the Chi-square test of independence. The key findings revealed that low public awareness, weak law enforcement, inefficient waste transportation, and poor stakeholder coordination undermined sustainable solid waste management efforts. Importantly, the Chi-square test of independence established a statistically significant association between community participation and sustainable development, χ²(1, N = 289) = 48.72, p < .001, confirming that community participation is a critical determinant of sustainable development in Ngong town. The study concludes that community participation in SWM not only mitigates environmental hazards but also strengthens pathways toward sustainable urban living. Based on these findings, the study recommends inclusive governance in environmental management, with emphasis on active sensitization, enforcement of waste management laws, and integration of community-led initiatives into local government strategies. For further research, this study could be replicated in other townships struggling with rising quantities of solid waste.