This study provides insight into the street hawking phenomenon and evaluates its impact on the Nairobi Central Business District. There is a common saying that “where there is traffic, there is business” which reflects a characteristic of Kenya market hawkers. It is hard to image how hawkers do business. They stand by the street, some of whom carry goods in hand and some on head. Anytime there is traffic, they rush to it and try to sell their goods to people in the vehicles. Owing to this selling methods, pedestrians and drivers can get goods what they need while walking and driving and it saves their time to go to stores or looking for parking place. Therefore street vendors earn good money most of the time. The objectives of this study were to find out the various categories of street hawkers trading in the Nairobi Central Business District, to describe the nature of street trading activities in the Nairobi Central Business District. This study also sought to know the opinion of hawkers as to whether trading activities impact negatively on the Nairobi Central Business District and suggest solutions to these problems. The method used for data collection was questionnaires prepared and administered to hawkers. Also, non-participant observation was done. This study recommends best ways of managing street hawking in the Nairobi CBD.

Road infrastructure is one of the key components of this development. In as much as new roads bring development to previously underdeveloped areas, sometimes this development can cause significant effects on sensitive environments and the lifestyles of the people living near or using the road. The transformation of the road from Nairobi to Thika town into a super highway is one of Kenya‟s first large scale transportation infrastructure projects which albeit its numerous benefits accrued, negative impacts can also be felt. The study aims at improving on the literature on the assessment of developments made in infrastructure in Kenya by investigating the socio-economic and environmental effects of the improvement of the Nairobi – Thika highway. The study finds that development of the road has had various changes to the social, economic and environmental situation of the households and investors/ institutions located along the road. This changes have been mostly positive especially in reference to increased investment opportunities and greater markets but found to be negative in reference to the environment and in specific vegetation and wildlife as most of the areas under study were experiencing unplanned development of small businesses and investments. The researcher recommends the use of environmental impact assessments to be used to a greater extent before the commencement of such projects and monitoring done during the progress of road development projects to reduce loss of wildlife and eco-balance. Policy development is needed for usage of road sections meant for business investments. Further research is also recommended in the regulations pertaining to road development.

Sanitation has been a thorny issue especially in many informal settlements all over the world with the third world countries being highly affected. Therefore people living in these affected areas are exposed to these deplorable conditions. Kenya is not spared either and therefore our informal settlements are suffering from myriad of sanitation related problems that are causing slum residents to be unprotected from all manner of exposures. Since there are a lot of underlying factors which are causing the state of poor sanitation in Kibera then this study was natured with the aim of unearthing some of the contributors leading to poor sanitation which have prevented the realization of the dream of a slum with sound sanitation systems. Since inadequacy of water and lack of sanitation facilities and services can be highly blamed for the nature of sanitation, the study further focussed on analysing the depths of these issues keenly and objectively. This was done so as to come up with sustainable solutions that will help alleviate poverty as well as promote environmental sanity which is key in promoting the standards of living of Kibera residents in addition to health of the slum dwellers. The stakeholders‟ roles will be analysed to evaluate their contribution to solving the sanitation menace. Ultimately, recommendations and an action plan are provided with the view of seeking to change the issue of revolving around the status quo and start moving towards the desired quo of sound sanitation.

The effects of improper management of industrial air pollution are being dramatically demonstrated in most development countries and Kenya has not been left out. Quality of air within industrial areas is daily deteriorating and its effect are becoming evident daily, some gradual, some sudden. This is threatening human livelihood and the environment as a whole. The ever increasing effect on industrial air pollution calls for management strategies and decisions to be made after comprehensive analysis of all relevant factors. Though considerable efforts in management of industrial air pollution have been made, it is still palpable that centralized, progressive and segmental approaches are characterized by several Achilles‟ heels/ flaws and gaps thus are substantially insufficient in addressing industrial air pollution. The episode of such is because there‟s no proper management strategy, insufficient stakeholder participation to handle the issue at hand and lack of profound understanding of the problem. The study analyses the strategies espoused earlier, while determining their successes and failure. This has thus provided a basis for a proper management plan. The study proposes a number of strategies that can be implemented under the new county administration and the national government. Some of the strategies include improved safe technology among industries, improved health and safety preventive measures, implementation of proper laws and legislation and air quality standards among others.

Most of our activities as human beings generate solid waste. As much as the solid waste that is generated may not be harmful in its current state, the methods through which this waste is handled, stored, collected and disposed can pose risks to the local populace as well as the community. The situation is aggravated by the fact that solid waste has no owner, and therefore the provision of quality solid waste management services is left for those who can afford it. The objectives of this study was to study the amount and composition of waste handled by waste management service providers, their equipment and personnel capacity, how this capacity affects their performance and identify opportunities available to increase their capacity thus render better services. The data was gathered mainly through the use of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The results gotten from the research revealed that the capacity of the various service providers is wanting both in terms of personnel and equipment. There is therefore a need for the government to implement plans and proposals in place, meant to build the capacity of all the key players so as to step up efficiency in waste management.

Forests have numerous economic, social and ecological values. In Kenya most of the forests form vital water catchments for rivers among other ecological services as well as providing a habitat for numerous species of animals. Ngong Forest is an urban forest in Nairobi County that has a wide variety of flora species and serves as a habitat to various animals including birds such as the African Crowned Eagle. This research project aimed at finding out the challenges facing the African Crowned Eagle in Ngong forest as a result of the clearance of sections of the forest to pave way for the construction of the Southern bypass road, which resulted in habitat fragmentation. The study focused on determining how the birds‟ population has been affected as well as the impacts on its breeding grounds and changes in its dietary characteristics. The findings of this study indicate that there are a number of negative impacts that have resulted from the construction of the road through the forest.

The UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment determined that environmental degradation is more prominent within wetland systems than any other ecosystem on Earth. Increase in population in urban areas has led to pressures within urban wetland ecosystems. Urbanization has also contributed to the degradation of the Watiti wetland ecosystem. Some of the impacts of such activities include; direct habitat loss (from development, land reclamation, roads, in-stream dredging), altered water regime (from dams/barriers, stream redirection, hard surfacing, water extraction), pollution (from garbage, sewage, oil and chemical spills, pesticides, airborne toxins), introduction of exotic species (weeds, pests and domestic pets) and other ecosystem modifications (for example, altered fire regimes, dieback and changes in salinity). International conservation efforts are being used in conjunction with the development of rapid assessment tools to inform people about wetland issues. The above scenario necessitated this study in order to identify the impacts of encroachment, to assess the policy and legislation framework for managing urban wetlands, to establish the contribution of the public in wetland management and to examine measures taken to effectively protect and conserve the wetland. To obtain information for this study, both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was obtained using various methodologies like field surveys, photography, observation, guided questionnaires and oral interviews while secondary data heavily borrowed from the existing published and unpublished data. The target population is the upper, middle and lower class individuals living around the Watiti wetland. The analysis revealed the status quo of urban wetland management and established existing gaps within institutions and the policies. This study identifies the impacts of encroachment of residential development on urban wetland, the case of Watiti wetland and recommends for ways to ensure that the wetland is protected and conserved for sustainability.

This research explores the socio-ecological impacts in Rongo district caused by artisanal small scale gold mining. The International LabourOrganisation (ILO) acknowledges gold mining by itinerant miners as the means of livelihood for more than 13 million people in the developing world. Although there are many potential socio-economic benefits of artisanal small scale gold mining, there are numerous negative impacts from these small and inefficient operations as a result of wasteful extraction and processing techniques. Environmentalists and disaster planners face the challenge of regulating the artisanal small scale mining sector to reduce the ecological impacts because of lack of resources since the country is on the verge of hyper inflationary environment. The escalating rate of unemployment is a force behind the increase of artisanal small scale miners, especially in Rongo district. Their unregulated activities in the district result in risk accumulation processes as it promotes land degradation, vegetation destruction, and pollution of water sources. This risk accumulation process if not checked as is the case in Rongo district will put an insurmountable pressure on the ecology resulting in its collapse in future. The unskilled and underequipped artisanal small scale gold miners use mercury for amalgamation as it requires no special skill and is inexpensive, fast and effective. The study used observational fieldwork, archival research, interviews and questionnaires. The research projects found that it was a ticking time bomb for an ecological disaster. The operations were found to be worsening environmental impacts. The negative effects are already being felt in the district as rampant land degradation has contributed to siltation of riversKuja and Migori among other variables, destruction of vegetation as well as contamination of water bodies. The impacts far outweigh the potential socio economic benefits of artisanal small scale mining. There is massive land clearing as by burning of bushes and unregulated stripping of the overburden. The role of the government as enforcers of laws and regulations and promoter of mining development need to be defined. Environmentally destructive mining practices persist as there is lack of enforcement and control mechanisms. On the other hand miners need to take responsibility for the negative impacts from their livelihood. They however need improved access to financial resources and more incentives for conservation.

Construction workers face a variety of hazards, particularly safety problems such as falls, slips, trips, cuts, and being hit by falling objects. There are also dangers from working high up, often without adequate safety equipment, musculoskeletal problems from lifting heavy objects, as well as the hazards associated with exposure to noisy machinery. Despite the fact that construction industry has brought the Kenya economy to high scales, there has been concern over occupational health and safety of those working in the industry. At the law courts, there have been cases of injury of both fatal and none fatal to the employees working at the construction sites. Safety issues have gained vital importance throughout the construction industry. Many construction companies around the world are implementing safety, health, and environmental management systems to reduce injuries, eliminate illness, and to provide a safe working environment in their construction sites. Construction managers and professionals require careful management and development if they are to contribute positively to organization performance and effective implementation of its projects with high long-term retention of profits and workplace safety. In spite of the successful approach to expansion projects in Kenya, a myriad of challenges is facing its implementation and assuming the important factor of OSH. This involves environmental sustainability of the project where strive to achieve the set long term goals is hacked by short term economic consideration.

The struggle for water and its resources have progressively increased over periods of time. This is majorly attributed to the fact that the resource, as vital as it is, faces excessive extraction resulting from rapid population growth as well as urbanisation and industrialization trends. In Kenya, several families face many problems related to water and sanitation services. In the study area the project resolved in finding out the various challenges of water supply and sanitation in the uncontrolled residential developments. A sample size of 65 people was taken to represent the entire population in the area using proximate representative estimation. Systematic random sampling technique was then used, sampling pattern being every fifth house on the right and tenth house to the left of the line transect. Snowball sampling was used in institutional interviews to identify the most appropriate respondents. Findings were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel and represented in the form of bar graphs and pie charts. Increased urban population has a direct impact on water supply and sanitation in Huruma Estate as it was found to be a major cause of this challenge with 55%in agreement to this. Other major causes of inadequate water supply and sanitation included infrastructural developments at 20%, depleted water towers and inadequate dump sites at 15 % and low levels of income at 10%. The study also looks forward to giving recommendations of use of water storage devices such as water tanks as a short term strategy and an extension of water pipes distribution lines to be in direct proportion with population growth. Community led total sanitation mechanisms that would help correct the situation is also recommended.