Drivers of current solid waste management practices in Kisumu informal settlements

<ns3:p>Background Solid Waste Management (SWM) in most developing countries, especially in Africa, faces several challenges that hinder proper management across the value chain. Kisumu City, the third-largest city in Kenya, faces numerous challenges in the waste collection and disposal sector. Kisumu generates an estimated 500 tons of waste daily, but only about 40% of it is collected and disposed of properly, leaving the rest to accumulate in open areas or water bodies. This poses significant health and environmental risks to residents and the ecosystem. Due to open dumping of waste, greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted into the air, causing air pollution and consequently contributing to climate change. Methodology We sought to identify the drivers of current solid waste management practices in five areas of Kisumu County (Nyalenda-A, Manyatta-B, Kaloleni, Manyatta - A, Migosi, and Nyalenda B). We used a cross-sectional study design and mixed-method approaches to conduct the research. About 400 household heads were interviewed, while 13 Key Informant Interviews and 10 Focus Group Discussions were conducted. Results About 8% of households practice proper SWM, and 35% of households receive waste collection services. Burning of waste is common at 77%. Level of education (P value = 0.11), income-generating activity (P value = 0.024), waste collection services P value = 0.001), and sex of the household (P value =0.09) had significant associations with proper solid waste management practices. Key challenges identified through the qualitative interviews include inadequate resources at the county level, a lack of awareness among the residents on the importance of proper waste management, poor policy implementation, and a poor attitude towards waste. Conclusion The county should have adequate budget allocation for SWM and the implementation of existing policies, for example, strict enforcement against illegal dumping, and littering by-laws, community sensitisation, as well as include women in decision-making in SWM.</ns3:p>