The role of municipal SWM in urban sanitation in Kitengela Town (Kenya) 

The developing countries struggle with poor management of municipal solid waste which is not only a threat to public health, but also hinders the achievement of sustainable urban sanitation. Indeed, municipal solid waste is a crucial factor in urban sanitation since the quality of its management greatly influences the state of urban sanitation. The study assessed the role of municipal solid waste management in sustainable urban sanitation in Kitengela town, Kajiado County, Kenya. The study aimed at evaluating practices, actors and challenges associated with municipal solid waste management and their role in sustainable urban sanitation. The impact of the quality of municipal solid waste management on sustainable urban sanitation as well as the role of municipal solid waste management in environmental and public health in Kitengela town were assessed. The study employed cross-sectional research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, an interview guide and field observation checklists. A sample of 178 participants comprising of market traders, residents, municipal solid waste service providers and community leaders was used. Qualitative data was thematically analysed and quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29. The study established poor management of municipal solid waste in the study area (67.7%). Open dumping was the most commonly practiced waste disposal method (60%) followed by open burning (40%) at both designated and undesignated sites. The main actors in municipal solid waste management were private agencies (75%) and the County Government (25%). The main challenges that faced municipal solid waste management in the study area included inadequate commitment by the County Government (55%) and lack of an organized municipal solid waste management systems (45%). The study concluded that the actors failed to adequately manage municipal waste leading to the accumulation of municipal solid waste in the area. The study recommends the development of an integrated municipal solid waste management program to augment the progress towards sustainable urban sanitation, encourage a circular economy and strengthen toilet use and access in the town.