84 MOSES M. IKIARA, ANNE M. KARANJA AND THEO C. DAVIES
All workers in solid waste collection, whether NCC or private, experience a range of
similar problems, the most important of which are poor conditions of work, poor terms
and payment, heavy workload, health problems, and lack of tools and equipment.
Moreover, they suffer low self-esteem. According to over 60 percent of those inter-
viewed in 1998, their waste work is perceived as dirty and lacking respect. About half
of the workers, consequently, plan to start their own business or get employment else-
where. The workers complained about government’s insensitivity to their grievances
and lack of a proper labour policy. While junior NCC workers belong to a strong trade
union that pushes for the payment of their salaries ahead of those of management level
staff, the private sector solid waste collection workers are not adequately represented.
Contributions to public health and environmental components of sustainable
development
Cleanliness of neighbourhoods
The cleanliness of many Nairobi neighbourhoods, especially the unplanned,
low-income areas, leaves a lot to be desired. The NCC’s contribution to the promotion
of public health through appropriate solid waste collection is insignificant as a result
of the virtual collapse of regular servicing. Furthermore, the NCC hardly provides any
storage containers, leading to infestation by mosquitoes and other flies, odour, and
scattering of waste by animals, according to households interviewed.
The private companies’ contribution towards the goal of clean neighbourhoods is
much more positive as they usually provide regular (1-2 times weekly) and reliable
services to their clients. Some of the private firms, in addition, offer street/compound
cleansing and/or sweeping services to their clients as a bonus. Most of the households
using private solid waste collection services reported minimal problems in storage.
Some households complained, however, that the private companies sometimes fail to
collect waste on the scheduled days. The uncollected waste is vandalised by stray dogs
and cats leading to littering of streets and surrounding areas. This problem is espe-
cially common with the ‘brief-case’ garbage collection firms.
The most important factor troubling the private sector in performing an even more
environmentally friendly role is the lack of government support. There are no by-laws
summoning residents to participate in a solid waste collection service offered by a
private firm in their neighbourhood. This prevents them from making optimal use of
the collection potential in the area and from reducing their rates accordingly (subse-
quently leading to higher levels of participation, and hence, cleanliness). Furthermore,
the NCC fails to enforce private sector adherence to public health and service stand-
ards. Since the private entrepreneurs are mainly motivated by the desire to make
profit, they are reluctant to comply with cost-raising environmental regulations. The
lack of effective monitoring, for example, frequently results in indiscriminate
dumping of waste especially by the ‘brief case’ private companies. Finally, the private