The Utilization of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to generate clean alternative biomass energy for improvement of livelihood in informal settlement, Nairobi County.

Abstract

1. Obuola Wycliffe⁴, Mercy Rotich¹, Moturi Wilkister⁴, Ogur Eric¹, Makoyoto Moses², Kelly Anne³, Grace Nyambati¹*

² Makoyoto M.  KIRDI, Box 30650-00100 makoyotomoses@Yahoo.Com

³ Kelly A. JKUAT.  Box 62000-00200. annnderitu@Gmail.Com

⁴ Moturi W.  Egerton University, Box 536 - 20115, Njoro. moturi33@yahoo.co

¹Ogur E. TUK erichokoth@Hotmail.Com

Corresponding author: ^1*Dr. Grace K. Nyambati.  The Technical University of Kenya Box 52428-00200, (+254 715530337, drgknyambati@gmail.com)

Rapid urban population growth, fast industrialization and growth in economies has led to generation of tremendous Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and management problems as observed in a number of cities in the world. MSW in cities of developing countries are dominated by insanitary landfills which contribute to more than 59% of the total MSW.  Hazardous waste is disposed in open dumpsites creating risks for human health and the environment.  Most of the dumping sites are situated near urban low income settlements, which constitute 56% of urban population in Kenya. Waste-toenergy is one of the strategies that can be used to not only reduce waste but convert it into a resource.  It enhances waste utilization and reduces the amount of landfilled waste while increasing renewable energy production in form of biomass, electricity or transport fuels.  The aim of the study was characterization of MSW in Nairobi informal settlements in order to determine waste components and their fractions and how they can be converted to clean biomass energy.  Results of the characterization analysis of biochemical characteristics include the following:  For the MSW organic waste ranged from 44% - 70%, polythene 30.6% - 52.6% and inorganic matter 4% - 12%; For physical and biochemical analysis, Mean dry weight ranged from 7.6%-16.1% and fixed carbon of 21.11% - 64.74%. The high percentage of fixed carbon led to a high heating value of organic char. Municipal Solid Waste is convertible to provide clean alternative energy for improvement of livelihood in families in urban informal settlements in Nairobi city.