International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

E-ISSN: 2582-2160   •   Impact Factor: 9.24

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 7, Issue 4 (July-August 2025) Submit your research before last 3 days of August to publish your research paper in the issue of July-August.
Submit Research Paper Join as a Reviewer

Plagiarism is checked by the leading plagiarism checker TurnItIn

Call for Paper

Volume 7 Issue 4
July-August 2025

Submit your research paper

Indexing Partners
Academia Advanced Sciences Index Bielefeld Academic Search Engine CiteSeer DRJI Google Scholar Independent Search Engine & Directory Network ISI (International Scientific Indexing) Issuu Mendeley Research Networks
RefSeek ResearcherId - Thomson Reuters ResearchGate Scirus Scribd Semantic Scholar UTeM - Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka Wiki for Call for Papers WorldCat Zenodo

Formalization of Informal Waste Pickers for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Mombasa County, Kenya

Author(s) Mr. Kevin Oduor Murono, Hidetoshi Kitawaki, Toshiya Aramaki, NassoroMwanyalu
Country Japan
Abstract Kenya’s Sustainable Waste Management Policy (2021) envisions a transition toward a circular economy and the adoption of a zero-waste principle to achieve long-term sustainability in the waste management sector. A key strategy within this framework is the formalization of the informal waste sector, particularly waste pickers who collect and sort recyclable materials as a means of livelihood. However, limited empirical data exists on the socio-economic characteristics, challenges, and integration potential of these workers. This study, based at Mwakirunge dumpsite in Mombasa County, examined these aspects to inform inclusive waste governance and support sustainable waste management policy implementation.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey using explanatory mixed methods was conducted in the months of August 2024 and February 2025. Quantitative data were collected from 157 randomly selected waste pickers through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions with waste pickers, and key informant interviews with the municipality officials and itinerant waste buyers.

The average age of respondents was 36 years, males comprised 59%. Mean years of experience was 10, primarily due to lack of alternative employment (80.77%). The majority lacked formal education (38.22%) and earned less than $4 per day (41.40%). Satisfaction with working conditions was low, with frequent exposure to hazards like airborne pollutants (mean=4.87) and sharp objects (mean=4.89). Tiredness (75%) and occasional diarrhoea (73.72%) were common health issues. Socially, most felt insecure (69.87%), unsupported by the municipality (69.23%), stigmatized (58.97%) and faced violence (52.26%). Economically, they lack cleaning facilities (87.18%), face competition (78.21%), and possess limited pricing control (56.41%). Despite the majority (91.7%) knowing the benefits of using personal protective equipment, almost 70% never used them always. This study found out that majority (91%) expressed readiness to be formalized, with the expectations of increased income (91.1%) and improved working conditions (72.3%). Lack of identification cards by waste pickers was identified as a key barrier to beginning any formalization process. Those who were hesitant (9%) said that they preferred working alone (42.86%).

The findings of this study provide a strong empirical basis for initiating inclusive formalization efforts as part of broader waste management reforms in the county of Mombasa and Kenya as a whole.
Keywords Formalization, Sustainable Solid Waste Management, Informal Waste Pickers, Mwakirunge Dumpsite, Mombasa
Field Sociology
Published In Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On 2025-07-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.49577
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9vpkx
View / Download PDF File

Share this



E-ISSN 2582-2160
CrossRef

CrossRef DOI is assigned to each research paper published in our journal.

IJFMR DOI prefix is
10.36948/ijfmr

Downloads
Research Paper Format Copyright Permission Form and Undertaking Form Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 4Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 3Cover Page Vol 7 Isu 2

All research papers published on this website are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and all rights belong to their respective authors/researchers.

CC-BY-SA Open Access

About IJFMR
Fees & Payment
Current Issue
Publication Archive 		Submit Research Paper
Track Submission Status
Publication Guidelines
Publication Ethics
Peer Review & Plagiarism 		Join as a Reviewer
Editors & Reviewers
Reviewer Referral Program
Get Reviewer Membership Certi. 		Website/Journal Policies
Usage Policy
Content Policies
Privacy Policy
Contact Us +91-9687-828-838 editor@ijfmr.com