Influence of Informal Solid Waste Management on Livelihoods of Urban Solid Waste Collectors: A Case Study of Nakuru Municipality, Kenya
Karanja Stephen Njoroge, Mwangi Samson Wokabi, Kibet Ngetich, Njeru Moses Kathuri

Abstract
The study focused on how the urban waste collectors in Nakuru Municipality earn their livelihood through turning waste into wealth by deriving income from solid waste. The objective of this study was to examine how solid waste management contributes to the livelihoods of the waste collectors using the sustainable livelihoods approach. In the study, 192 respondents were interviewed using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistics computed by the Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS). The study found that the waste collectors earn an income from waste management and these livelihoods are earned in occupational conditions that are unsafe and injurious to them. The study recommends that the informal sector be recognised as stakeholders within the municipality in solid waste management and since the sector is concerned with attainment of livelihoods, the occupational health hazards should be minimised by adhering to safety precautions.

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