Resident Perceptions on the Health Risks Associated with Solid Waste Disposal at Kalundu Dumpsite, Kitui County – Kenya on the Surrounding Human Settlement

Abstract

Aims: Urban centers of developing countries are growing at very rapid rates. This has been accompanied by increased use of resources and enormous waste generation. The generated waste is dumped in the outskirts of the urban where they can have negative impacts on the environment and surrounding human settlements. This study therefore aims to assess the perceived health risks of Kalundu dumpsite in Kitui Town, Kitui County of Kenya. Study Design:  A survey design was used to collect data from people living within 500 meter radius of Kalundu dumpsite. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out between January 2020 and December 2020 in Kitui Town of Kitui County, Kenya. Methodology: A Semi - structured questionnaire was administered to 78 respondents to collect data on perceived health risks they associate with the presence of Kalundu dumpsite in their locality. The collected data was coded and then analyzed. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the link between respondent characteristics and perceived health risks. Results: 83.3% of respondents perceived the presence of the dumpsite in their vicinity as a health hazard that they attributed to cause diseases (Malaria, chest pain; diarrhea, and cholera) and other negative environmental effects (smoke, odour, and habitat for disease vectors and pathogens). Children under the age of 5 years were the most vulnerable. Conclusion: There is a perceived link between waste deposited onto Kalundu dumpsite and human and environmental health of the surrounding community.