Environmental Communication for sustainable development in Kenya : A qualitative study focusing on solid and liquid waste

Abstract: This research has investigated how environmental communication is reaching out in urban Kenya and what knowledge and attitude exists. Key aim was finding what perception stakeholders had on effective ways to communicate to reach goals of a sustainable development. Focus laid on solid and liquid waste, because of great improvements needed in infrastructure and behavior. In addition, comparison was made to current sustainability goals. Qualitative interviews with semi structured questions were conducted in Kitengela (Kajiado county) and Machakos Town (Machakos county), with six different target groups each and a total of 48 respondents. General knowledge of possibilities to reuse and recycle solid waste was quite high, but sewage is not very common to refer to as a resource. The sensitization today on the issues was mainly through schools and media. A perception was that people don’t care or know, but there are conversations about the menace of litter and sometimes dirty water. Nearly 75 % said service of clean water and environment would be worth almost any price. Many expressed frustrations on the lack of management and implications that follow when wanting to act well or create awareness, but no system to support a sustainable behavior. Suggestions of communicative methods had emphasis on reaching all age groups where people gather, like schools and churches/mosques. The approach should be positive with concrete feedback on profits of sustainable living, while presenting a vivid vision for everyone to work towards.