EFFECTS OF RAPID POPULATION GROWTH ON WASTE DISPOSAL IN THIKA TOWN, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to establish the effects of rapid population growth on waste disposal in Thika town, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was based on the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Effect-Response (DPSER) model (OECD, 1994), and adopted a survey research design. The target population for the study was town physical planners, local officials of NEMA, members of the public and community groups who engaged in environmental conservation in the municipality. Stratified random sampling was used to select community group members, officials from NEMA, the Physical Planning Department and District Environment Officers. Data for the study was collected by use of questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. On the other hand, qualitative data was analyzed thematically in line with the study objectives. The results of the analysis were presented using tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The study established that the rapid population growth in Thika Town has led to environmental problems such as water pollution, air pollution, poor disposal of waste, formation of slums, poor maintenance of water supply, sewerage and sanitation systems and congestion in the transport system. The study recommends that environmental education should be incorporated into the school curriculum at all levels to build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens; the government should provide adequate funding for agencies concerned with environmental management and ensure proper implementation of programs and policies; the government should also install a recycling plant within Thika Town to curb environmental degradation; among other actions.
Keywords; Rapid Population Growth, Waste Disposal, Environmental Problems
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