EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF KAWANGWARE WARD IN NAIROBI

Abstract

The study aimed to establish the effect of government policies on solid waste management in MSMEs in Kawangware ward, Nairobi. This research was anchored on Waste Management Theory and employed descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling technique was used to pinpoint the target population of 370 MSMEs business owners in Kawangware Ward, out of which 302 respondents participated. Based on the research objectives, the study provided a comprehensive literature review and analysis and formed a conceptual framework. Questionnaires were used to collect data and were researcher administered to comply with WHO and MOH guidelines of Covid-19. Research ethics were observed throughout the study. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 software was used to analyze data, and the summarized data was presented using percentages, figures, graphs, charts, and frequency tables. To determine the effect of government policies on solid waste management, multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Government policies were positively and significantly related to solid waste management (β=0.352, p=0.000, α =0.05). The null hypothesis that government policies have no significant influence on solid waste management was thus rejected. Therefore, a unitary increase of government policies leads to an increase of 0.352 in the effectiveness of solid waste management. This suggests that the more government policies are improved, the better the solid waste management. The study recommends the government to draft environmentally friendly policies in support of solid waste management. More priority to be placed on waste management in Kenya and the laws therefore enacted, implemented, and enforced.