Factors influencing an ICT framework for a circular e-waste economy by households in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to assess the existing state of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Kenya, to improve on the methods of disposal, recycling, and facilitation of a circular economy by households through the use of ICT. The study was driven by the following objectives on how they influence a circular e-waste economy; socio-demographic factors, consumer behaviour, level of access to information and ICT infrastructure. The target population for the study was households within Nairobi County who had the ease of access to small ICT equipment (mobile phones, tablets, iPods, and computers). A descriptive survey study method was employed. A sample size of three hundred and eighty-four (384) households was determined, probability sampling was used in the study; utilizing the stratified sampling technique. An electronic questionnaire was used as the main research instrument. The data was analysed by the use of descriptive statistics (mean, frequency distribution) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). SPSS version 25 tool was used to analyse the data. The study determined that the selected factors had a positive influence on the ICT framework for a circular e-waste economy. The consumer behaviour of respondents (β = .159, p = .001), access to information influence (β = .174, p = .001), ICT infrastructure (β = .604, p = .001) were found to have the most influence on the ICT framework for a circular e-waste economy. Socio-demographic factors influence (β = .036, p = .280) were found to have the least influence on the ICT framework for a circular e-waste economy. The study concluded that the consumers’ financial and emotional attachment to their electronic devices influenced how they disposed off their e-waste, affecting the residual value. The study also confirmed that effective and efficient e-waste management needs households to have ease of access to information. Lastly, it also concluded that integration and usage of ICT increase the rate at which the framework will be adopted by the circular e-waste economy. The study recommended that any policy to be formulated should target the tech adverse youth who are the majority. Electronic manufacturers should create and spearhead consumer responsibility to mitigate e-waste menace. Nairobi County Government should create awareness and sensitization programs for households. Technology should be integrated into the e-waste management process. Lastly, the collection of e-waste shouldn’t be pegged to the geographic and socio-economic status of the households.