Browsing by Author "WAWIRA, NIVERATA"

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    SOLID WASTE MINIMIZATION PRACTICES IN KIGANJO, THIKA SUB-COUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
    (Gretsa University, 2025-07) GICHAGA, JOHN; WAWIRA, NIVERATA; NGITHI, MARY; KIRUI, KENNETH
    This study investigated waste minimization practices in Kiganjo, in response to the growing environmental and health concerns associated with solid waste management. Guided by Fisher et al. formula, data was obtained from a minimum sample size of 384 residents at Kiganjo area of Kiambu County. This study adopted a descriptively research design and inferentially using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Analytical findings indicted a significant positive relationship between waste segregation and waste minimization (r = 0.436; p < 0.01). Major types of wastes segregated were organic waste (25.1%), glass (23.1%), plastics (22.4%), paper and cardboard (18%), and metal (11.5%). The most cited motivation was awareness of environmental impact, reported by 27.8% of the participants while community pressure or social norms (14.2%) had the least impacts implying that peer influence is not a major driver in this area. There was a significance positive relationship between waste recycling and waste minimization (r=0.695; p<0.01). Major types of recycled waste were paper (28.5%), plastics (20.4 %), glass (17.9%), metal (17.2%) and clothing or textiles at 16.1%. The leading motivation was the economic savings (e.g. selling recyclables), accounting for 31.3% of the responses and social or community responsibility (8.6%) were the least. There was a positive relationship between proper housekeeping and waste minimization (r=0.281; p<0.01. However, majority of the respondents (73.7%) reported that they do not reuse materials from proper housekeeping while only (26.3%) indicated that they do. The study concluded that waste minimization practices were influenced by awareness of environmental impact, local government initiatives and campaigns, availability of waste segregation bins, community pressure or social norms and personal habits or preferences. The study recommended provision of bins for public use, creation of public awareness on the importance and method of waste separation, establishment of community recycling stations and linking them to waste collectors and processors