Determinants of Electronic-Waste Disposal Strategies by Utility Companies in Kenya

Abstract

Determinants of Electronic-Waste Disposal Strategies by Utility Companies in Kenya 1. Introduction 1.1. Background of the Study Globalization has been realized through the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) worldwide which in turn has resulted into huge amounts of e-waste due to the amount and dynamic short-life nature of the equipment. Electronic waste (E-waste) is now viewed as a huge pollution challenge globally. A wide variety of toxic substances are contained in E-waste with a potential to affect the environment and human health if poorly disposed and managed (Peernart, Ravi & Ming, 2013). This challenge from E-waste is relatively new and presents business opportunities. The huge volumes of valuable materials as well as their toxic nature can be exploited to create lifetime occupations (Widmer, Heid, Deepali, Scheneilillmann & Heinz, 2005). Management of e-waste involves a complex of decision-making variables when choosing the disposal method. It requires analysis of the intended disposal method by a firm to arrive at the most efficient and environmentally acceptable management strategy to dispose e-waste. The decision maker has to do some evaluation by either assigning a quantitative value to each alternative or by providing information which clarifies properties of the alternatives. 1.1.1. E-waste in Kenya Kenya similar to developing countries has encompassed ICT in the public and private segments. Despite the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) making a draft e-waste management policy in 2011 its enforcement has never been implemented. As such, the country is facing the challenge of accumulated e-waste whose handling and disposal has not been substantively addressed by the present environmental laws. Lack of segregation and poor disposal systems has led to mixing of e-waste with ordinary waste in Kenya's dumpsites (Onderi, 2010). A study by Okeyo and Wangila (2012) at the Kenyan coast established that a battery