Integration of Solid Waste Management Policies in Kenya: Analysis of coherence, gaps and overlaps

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which current solid waste management policies in Kenya are integrated, particularly as they addressed associated health challenges among vulnerable urban populations.  The study was a critical interpretive synthesis of contents of the existing policies on solid waste management. We examined horizontal, vertical, and diagonal policy integration as well as internal and external integration. While general solid waste management policies are broad, the institutional and implementation mechanisms proposed by these policies are more centralized. The sector-specific and embedded policies are coherent with the overall theme of the policy document they are in, but they lack mechanisms of implementation within the same policy framework. Major gaps exist in stipulating clear policy strategies and implementation mechanisms as they address health outcomes.  Overall, existing solid waste management policies clearly state the policy directions in terms of the required outcomes. But explicit articulation of policy strategies and implementation mechanisms is inadequate