Challenges and Possible Solutions of Effective Solid Waste Management in Githunguri Town, Kiambu County

Municipal solid waste management constitutes a serious problem in our world. Cities, towns, and even villages are often grappling with this huge problem. Most cities and towns do not collect the totality of the wastes generated, and of the wastes collected, only a fraction receives proper disposal. The insufficient collection and inappropriate disposal of solid wastes represent a source of water, land and air pollution, and pose risks to human health and the environment. Over the next several decades, the rapid urbanization in the developing world will tend to further deteriorate this situation. This report presents and discusses the challenges of urban development on solid waste management in Githunguri Town. The composition and amount of solid waste being generated in the town has been on the increase due to a rapidly growing population, changing urban lifestyles, resource consumption patterns, improving income levels and other socio-economic and cultural issues. Traditionally, solid waste in Githunguri Town has been disposed of through the use of dust bins and designated skips placed at strategic points within the town. This has however proved to be unsuccessful due to challenges ranging from the rapidly growing population, vandalism, irresponsible solid waste disposal and limited knowledge on how to manage solid waste at a household level, thus modern approaches in handling these wastes need to be introduced.