EFFECTS OF PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECTS ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

Abstract

The swift urbanization and population increase have heightened solid waste management (SWM) issues in Kenya where Kisumu City has been characterized by the presence of accumulated solid waste in its surroundings, inadequate waste disposal systems, and low levels of participation of the youth in organized environmental initiatives. This Study explored how the involvement of the youth in solid waste management projects is influencing youth empowerment in Kisumu City, Kenya. The detailed hypotheses were to determine the impact of the involvement of youth in the waste collection, waste disposal and recycling initiatives on the effects of empowerment. The Ecological Systems Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and Self Determination Theory of Deci and Ryan guided the Study. Cross-sectional research design was used with 320 youth who were enrolled in substance abuse prevention programs as the target population. The sampling method was stratified random sampling which was used to select 175 respondents and data were collected with structured questionnaires that were pilot-tested in Nakuru City. The SPSS Version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data based on some descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and percentages. Ordinal regression analysis was also applied in determining the relationship among the study variables. The results indicated that there exists a strong, positive and statistically significant association between youth participation in SWM projects and the outcomes of empowerment. Waste collection practices (β = 1.719, p < .05), waste disposal practices (β = 2.188, p < .05), and recycling projects (β = 4.625, p < .05) significantly influenced youth empowerment, explaining 59.3% of its variation. The null hypothesis was rejected in all three cases and proved that active involvement in SWM has a beneficial effect on the environmental awareness, leadership, social inclusion, and economic independence of young individuals. The Study concludes the role of youth in solid waste management in urban areas as having a transformative potential on urban sustainability, and socio economic development. It suggests that governments, NGOs and local governments should increase youth participation in terms of training, financial aid and better infrastructure. Research can be considered to take up longitudinal approaches and examine the impact of digital innovation in enhancing youth-led waste management projects in the future.