Year
2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
School of Geography and Sustainable Communities
Abstract
Jua kali is a term used in Kenya to describe informal entrepreneurs who are known for their versatility and inventiveness. The informal sector refers to economic activities that are unregulated or protected by formal legal frameworks and operate outside traditional wage employment. Individuals and groups like the jua kali have been credited with driving grassroots changes in the Global South from the bottom up. This is despite continued marginalisation from postcolonial and neo-colonial policies. This study explores the involvement of the informal sector in Kenya as actors in implementing sustainable waste management principles.
As rapid population growth and increased industrial development outpaces urban infrastructure, urban areas face adverse impacts from various social pressures, particularly waste. Improper waste management can cause a range of social issues and can also contribute to global climate pressures, increased pollution, and depletion of natural resources. While informal entrepreneurs are emerging as alternative actors in implementing sustainable waste practices in urban areas in most Global South Countries, literature on informal entrepreneurs in Kenya and their impact is limited. The informal entrepreneurs in Kenya have been known to drive waste recovery and recycling processes from traditional linear production and consumption systems to regenerative and sustainable models. However, more research needs to critically discuss their potential adaptation strategies and approaches.
Recommended Citation
Solitei, Makrita Tanayian, “More than just jua kali”: Innovators of the informal waste circular economy in Kenya, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, School of Geography and Sustainable Communities, University of Wollongong, 2023. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses1/1776
FoR codes (2008)
1604 HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, 2002 CULTURAL STUDIES, 1205 URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, 1503 BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.