Abstract:
The composition and amount of solid waste being generated in Kisumu has been on the
increase. This can partly be attributed to changing urban lifestyles, resource consumption
patterns, improving income levels and other socio-economic and cultural issues. Thus, new
approaches in handling these wastes need to be introduced to cope with their increase. This
study has triangulated its findings through various literature reviews, interviews and field
survey observations. It provides documentary evidence on the level of conditions and level
of practice in solid waste management in Kisumu. The findings indicate that only about 20 %
of the 400 tonnes of solid waste generated in Kisumu is collected and transported to the
dumpsite. Residents do not separate waste at household level and burning is a common
mode of disposal. The findings affirm to the need for a change in management regimes to
become more commercially viable, adaptive and inclusive. There is also need for a sociocultural
attitude change among the residents at household level.
