Assessing the Policy Gaps and Governance Challenges in Sustainable Solid Waste Management: Evidence from Garissa, Kenya

Abstract

Aims: To examine the existing solid waste management policy and regulatory frameworks, identify critical policy gaps, analyze the institutional and governance structures, and evaluate the key governance challenges that collectively influence the effectiveness and sustainability of solid waste management in Garissa Township, Kenya. Study Design: Mixed-methods research design combining both qualitative and quantitative strategies. Place and Duration of Study: Garissa Township, within administrative wards of Iftin, Township, Galbet, and Waberi within Garissa County in northeast Kenya between April and September 2019. Methodology: Involved 480 participants from Garissa Township’s wards, including municipal staff, county environmental officers, private waste collectors, community leaders, and household heads aged 18 and above. Inclusion criteria comprised residents actively engaged in waste management, while exclusion criteria included individuals under 18, non-residents, and those not involved in waste management. Selected using purposive and stratified sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observations, capturing quantitative and qualitative data. Results: The study found that Garissa Township has multiple solid waste management policies, with 72% of municipal staff and 65% of community leaders aware of these frameworks, yet only 48% of staff reported consistent enforcement. Key policy gaps include unclear guidelines (48% of staff, 55% of households), weak enforcement (52% of staff, 50% of households), and minimal integration of informal actors (40% of staff, 30% of households). Governance challenges insufficient funding (63% of staff, 57% of households) and poor stakeholder engagement (51% of leaders, 50% of households) hinder sustainable waste management. Conclusion: Overall, weak policy implementation, institutional capacity gaps, and governance challenges undermine enforcement, coordination, stakeholder participation—including informal actors—and the sustainability of solid waste management in Garissa Township. Key Recommendations: Strengthen policy enforcement, enhance institutional capacity, improve coordination and accountability, engage stakeholders, increase public awareness, and secure sustainable funding to achieve effective and sustainable solid waste management in Garissa Township.