jailcd2015006: Transfer of Sustainable Waste Incineration Technology from Japan to Kenya

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in Kenya has become a source of major sustainability challenge in the areas of socio-economic and environmental development. One key problem is the rapid increase of waste within developing countries and is associated with population growth, economic growth and expansion of social services such as health care. The solutions to waste management remain a core component for healthy living and a sustainable environment in cities. A critical segment of this waste is medical waste from health facilities and hazardous waste from Industries that are growing rapidly around the developing world. However, there has been a lack of sustainable and environmentally safe disposal systems such as incineration facilities. Most facilities use either open burning or unsuitable incinerators which release large amounts of CO2 and other hazardous gases and chemicals into the atmosphere, causing a potent health and environmental risk to the population. A feasibility study done by Shirai Eco Center Inc. with the support of JICA identified the current situation of medical waste management in Kenya and has begun the process of setting up a 12,000 ton per year Japanese specification incinerator in Nairobi to manage medical waste currently produced in Nairobi and surrounding counties.