Factors precluding KCCA implementation strategies on solid waste management in Kampala central division

Abstract

This study sought to examine the factors hindering the implementation of Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) solid waste management (SWM) strategies in Kampala Central Division. The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with the implementation of KCCA solid waste management strategies in Kampala central Division with the view of generating evidence that can improve in solid waste management policy and practice. The study objectives were; to evaluate the effect of staff capacity, to analyze the effect of financial resources and examine the mediating role of stakeholder participation in the implementation of solid waste management strategies in Kampala Central Division. The study adopted a descriptive research design and quantitative approach. The study population comprised of 160 staff engaged in SWM activities at KCCA central division. The questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection from staff, they included; the management personnel and technical officers responsible for planning, supervising, regulating, and coordinating solid waste management activities within Kampala Central Division. The findings show that 60% of the respondents were males while 40% female. The findings established that KCCA’s staff capacity was adequate, as 93 percent of respondents confirmed that they had received training in SWM. On the other, it was also established that KCCA had a weak financial resource (80%) to manage solid waste. From the analysis, it was discovered that KCCA has enough staff (mean = 4.09), with the required technical abilities (4.36), and frequently trained (4.56) to carry out SWM activities in the city. However, it was found out that inadequate funding was a major challenge to implementing SWM strategies which recorded the lowest overall mean (1.95) that negatively affect SWM strategy implementation. Furthermore, it was discovered that KCCA collaborates effectively with private waste collection companies and community groups (4.39), with exception found in giving feedback to the stakeholders on SWM services (2.43). Overall, the financial resource was discovered to be a major factor precluding the implementation of SWM strategies in the division. Conclusively, KCCA has the staff and stakeholder support needed to implement SWM strategies, but inadequate financing constrains its capacity to turn these strengths into effective service delivery. Therefore, resources should be adequately allocated in SWM services so as to create a green and clean city. Also, the workers should be provided with adequate instruction, a morale program, additional benefits, incentives and rewards.