Environmental Policies and Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Mavoko Sub-County, Kenya

Solid waste management has long been an essential component of any community.  In order to cut health risks, the effects related to climate change and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, proper solid waste management is a must. This study investigated the influence of environmental policies on sustainable solid waste management in the Mavoko sub-county, Kenya. The study was anchored on Empowerment theory. Convergent parallel research design was adopted. The study adopted 380 respondents. Krejcie and Morgan’s formula was used to detaermine sample size of 191 respondents comprising of 178 Households, 2 NEMA officers, 5 Sub-County Officials and 5 Youth Groups. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide. Data analysis was done using statistical techniques for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.  Findings show that, implementation of policies had a positive influence on sustainable waste management with a mean of 3.17, at 43.5% of the respondents agreeing. Environmental policies demonstrate a strong positive correlation with sustainable solid waste management (r = .924, p < 0.01). Policy implementation frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and strategic environmental assessments are recognized as essential; their true value lies in consistent and effective execution. The study recommends policy enforcement for sustainable waste management in Mavoko.  Key words: Environment, Environmental Policies, Sustainable, Solid Waste Management