Browsing by Author "Caroline Kwamboka, Onyancha"

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    Assessing the Impact of Solid Waste on Human Health: A Case Study of Pondamali Slum in Nakuru District, Kenya
    (Kampala International University, bachelors degree of science in Environmental management, 2008-09) Caroline Kwamboka, Onyancha
    Solid waste management in the world over has proven to be a challenge, developing countries like the lead in poor solid waste management, this could be attributed to a number of factors which include lack of capacity either financially or infrastructure, and this has contributed largely to the deterioration of health standards of the poor who live in slum areas. A study on assessing the impacts of solid waste management on the human health was carried out in pondamali Slum, Nakuru district Kenya .This research sought to answer questions on solid waste generated by the residents, health effect caused by the poor disposal of waste, the efforts of local residents to handle the problem of poor solid waste management and the measures that can be put in place to control the problem of poor solid waste management in the slum To investigate the above variables a general survey research design was used. Data collection tools included interview, photography, observation, literature review and questionnaire. interviews were carried out to the various groups in Pondamali slum and its nearest environs; photography was used to capture visual data of various parts of the slum and its environs, available literature was also reviewed on the effect of poor slid waste disposal on human health. Questionnaires to describe the effects of poor solid waste disposal on the human health were also distributed, to get greater depth of response. This research reveals the effects of poor disposal of wastes on the general human health and further highlights the highest source of solid waste in Pondamali. The major impacts of poor disposal of wastes in the area as the study identified were diseases, bad odor and blockage of drainage systems. This research established what has been done to protect human health through community participation, setting up of policies and laws together with recycling of wastes. The study came up with recommendations that must be put in place in order to manage wastes. They included raising awareness of the public and decision makers, developing self financing schemes, supporting strategic planning and follow up implementation, developing human resources, community participation and defining clear roles of relevant agencies in developing countries.