SOLID WASTE MINIMIZATION PRACTICES IN KIGANJO, THIKA SUB-COUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
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Date
2025-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gretsa University
Abstract
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
Description
Research project
Keywords
SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Education