Challenges and Opportunities for Circular Economy Adoption in Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Garissa Township, Kenya

Abstract

Aims: To examine the relationships among key determinants of circular economy adoption and their collective influence on sustainable solid waste management in Garissa Township. The study further aims to validate the effectiveness of these factors as reliable indicators for identifying opportunities and challenges in mainstreaming circular economy approaches within the township’s waste management system. Study Design:  Descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Garissa Township, Kenya, specifically across the four administrative wards of Iftin, Township, Galbet, and Waberi. Data collection was carried out among households, private solid waste collectors, and officials from the Department of Environment and Waste Management. The fieldwork took place over a six-month period, between. Methodology: The study included a total of 330 respondents from the four wards, comprising household heads aged 18 years and above, county waste management officials, and registered private waste collectors. Individuals below 18 years, non-residents, and those not directly involved in waste management were excluded. Results: Among the respondents, most households were female-headed (60.3%) with low education levels (28.9% no formal education), while private waste collectors were entirely male, aged 31–40 years (75%) and tertiary-educated (100%). Findings indicate that technology enhances recycling efficiency (50%), safety (25%), and cost reduction (25%), yet adoption remains below 20% due to financial and technical constraints. Key gaps include 49.8% of households without dustbins, 40% of routes impassable, and one landfill for ~80,000 residents. Opportunities exist in employment (4.06), health (4.68), and cost reduction (4.01), while challenges are inadequate infrastructure (4.42), limited funding (4.35), and weak policy enforcement (2.18). Conclusion: Garissa Township’s solid waste management shows potential for circular economy adoption, with technology and community engagement offering opportunities, but infrastructural gaps, financial constraints, and weak policies remain significant barriers.