Busia Municipality Solid Waste Management Policy 2019

Abstract

By provisions in the Constitution of Kenya (2010), every person is entitled to a clean and healthy environment and has a duty to safeguard and enhance the environment. However, the generation of wastes continues to confront man in his living environment. This is as a result of anthropogenic activities which generate waste, especially under conditions of rapid urbanization. The common waste being solid waste, that potent severe impact on the environment, thus threatening quality of life. Unfortunately, the rise in solid wastes generation has not necessarily been followed by an increase in the capacity to effectively manage the emerging challenges. In waste management, the principals of inter- and intra-generational equity, the polluter-pays principle and the precautionary principle prevail. By this policy it would be possible to address waste management issues in the context of the Environment Management and Co-ordination Act 1999. The latter provides for a comprehensive framework for the development of an Action Plan at any level. Provisos of the policy should entail classification, segregation, collection, temporary storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal, and governance of wastes in Busia County. Retrospectively, this policy is not fixated to the components stated in it and is therefore open to review and updates to fit in the prevailing environmental dynamics.