Funding blues set back waste disposal sector

Analysts said rapid urbanisation and higher standards of living have been the major drivers of growth in this market, adding that more solid waste is generated by high income households in their daily activities.

The East African region is currently experiencing a growth rate of approximately 7.1 per cent per annum and about 34.5 per cent of the region’s population resides in urban areas.

The urban population generates the bulk of the solid waste material in this region.

However, the inability to collect refuse collection charges from households is a major obstacle to the development of this market.

Mr Nderitu said waste management would be easier with investments in waste collection infrastructure especially in the slums areas where such facilities are rare.

“If for example we had a better sewer system in Mathare, it would be easier to collect the human refuse and use it to manufacture methane gas and fertilizer,” said Mr Nderitu. “That investment has to be made by the Government.”

While the high-income areas are willing to pay for improved services, the low-income areas receive the least attention, as most households do not have the financial means to meet even the minimum tariffs charged by local authorities or the private sector for garbage collection.

Private companies

Yet in a place like Nairobi City, statistics show that the private companies that require to be paid serves 73 per cent of the population that has access to garbage collection services while the Nairobi City Council serves only 1 per cent of this population.

There is also a lack of understanding and prioritisation amongst people towards refuse collection.

“The level of awareness on the need to pay refuse collection charges is low,” said Mr Chikanga. “Residents prioritise other services such as water, energy, transport and healthcare.”

Frost & Sullivan identifies strategic partnerships between private companies and local authorities as a growth area like the expected partnership between the Nairobi City Council and the General Electric (GE) to generate methane gas from municipal waste that will be used to power electricity generators.