Investigation of the Current Status of Electronic Wastes, Generation and Management: A Case Study of Nairobi County

Abstract

Electrical and Electronic waste (e-waste) is currently one of the fastest growing waste streams both in quantity and toxicity in Kenya and e-waste does not decompose leading to its cumulative increase with time. With increased international trade, change of technology and income levels, more e-waste is generated and without proper handling methods leading to unprecedented levels of water, soil and air pollution. The resultant e-waste could lead to increased exposure of human beings and animals to toxic and carcinogenic metals in the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the quantities, types and handling methods of e-waste generated and associated policy framework in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey design, and to gather data questionnaires with both qualitative and quantitative variables, scenes observation and structured interviews were used. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The study revealed that main sources of e-waste originated from computers, fixed lines and mobile phones of which 10.8% of the 23,040 computers and 6.9% of 10,819 of fixed lines (telephones) and 3.2% of the 7,674 mobiles were obsolete. Generally selling of obsolete equipment as second hand was the main method of disposal of which 52% of mobile phones were sold, then 48% computers and 31% fixed lines, secondly storage was at 43%, 24% and 50% for computers, mobile phones and fixed lines respectively. Recycling followed whereby 7%, 10% and 10% for computers, mobile phones and fixed lines respectively. From this study 53% of the respondents indicated that they had no policy for handling e-waste. The methods of disposal in use were re-selling, keeping in store, recycling and dumping in dust bins which don’t prevent release of toxic metals into the environment, hence putting the health and safety of the public and animals into risk.