THESIS TITLE: Investigation of Determinants of ICT Electronic Waste Management in Kenyan Public Universities
Student Name: Rose Nakhanu Kapukha
Supervisors:
- Samuel Mbugua
- Juma Kilwake
ABSTRACT
Information Communication Technology (ICT) Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing solid waste streams around the world today due to the intensive utilization of ICT in various sectors of the economy. The amount of e-waste generated by Kenyan Universities is increasing at a very high rate per annum due to the continued increase in the use of computers and other related devices. However, about 40% of the e-waste generated remains in stores for years despite various efforts to curb it hence the focus of the study. Therefore the study endevoured to develop a framework for management of Electronic Waste in Kenyan Public Universities. The study sought to determine the factors that contribute to ICT electronic waste in Kenyan Public Universities; evaluate how Universities are managing their electronic waste; and develop an enhanced framework for its management in Kenyan Public Universities. Survey research design was used in the study. The target population for the study were the ICT staff, Administrative staff, Procurement and Management officers in two chartered Public Universities and one University Constituent College. The total population for the study was 370. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select 110 respondents. Questionnaires and content analysis were the instruments used for data collection. Research instruments were tested for validity using content and face validity while test-retest was used to test for reliability upon carrying out a pilot study at Kibabii University. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, namely Pearson moment product correlation and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study gave valuable insight on the management of electronic waste hence development of a framework that can improve the management of electronic waste in Kenyan Public Universities. The study revealed that there is quite a number of obsolete devices in stores due to lack of proper disposal mechanisms, lack of adequate and/or enforcement of policies and poor infrastructure in handling of these waste. The study also revealed that awareness, procurement, donation and disposal influenced management of electronic waste. Findings of the study also revealed that 82% variance in average management of electronic can be predicted by awareness, procurement, disposal and donation. It was found that awareness, procurement and disposal had a positive and significant relationship with management of electronic waste, while donation had an inverse relationship with management of electronic waste. Based on the finding, a framework was developed including the four variables which are awareness, procurement, donation and disposal. The study recommended that there is need to set up awareness and trading centres to help create awareness. There is also need to formulate, implement and enforce policies with regards to management of electronic waste. Procurement entities should embrace the current technology such as cloud computing and virtualisation to cut down on the purchase of the electronic devices.
