Development of the recycling practices of municipal solid waste in Kenya

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a key environmental and economic challenge globally, particularly in developing countries such as Kenya. This study examines the development of recycling practices in Kenya’s MSWM system through the assessment of existing practices, identifying key challenges, and comparing them with global best practices. Based on secondary data from government reports, academic publications, policy documents, and international organizations, qualitative and quantitative analyses were used. The study reveals that despite major advances from initiatives like the ban of plastic bags and private recycling companies, recycling rates remain relatively low in Kenya compared to developed countries. Challenges that contribute to low recycling rates or poor waste management (WM) are inadequate infrastructure, weak policy enforcement, low public awareness, and inefficient technological investments. The study highlights best practices from Germany and proposes evidence-based recommendations, including strengthening policy implementation, public awareness in recycling, Deposit refund system, ban of landfilling and standardized color-coded system to facilitate waste sorting. Enhancing Kenya’s MSW recycling system is essential for environmental sustainability, economic development, and health protection.