The Kisumu government in Kenya will soon table a bill that will provide a legal framework for solid waste management in the county.

The draft Solid Waste Management Bill 2014 stipulates modes of waste removal and disposal, street cleaning and the handling of industrial wastes. Under the bill, heavy fines will be imposed for illegal dumping and direct effluent discharge into Lake Victoria and rivers.

Government is busy with the final phase of educating the public on the bill before it is tabled in the assembly. At the start of last month Majority leader Samuel Ong’ow said the bill should have been taken to the assembly for debate by that time but there were delays.

Waste management controversy

Earlier this year investigations were ordered into a contract awarded to a German Company for solid waste management services in Kisumu. The company was allegedly awarded the contract and its capacity to manage it throughout the county without focusing into the city garbage alone.

Kisumu County Governor Jack Ranguma said his government had not entered into an agreement with any foreign company for what he calls domination in solid waste management services. However, two of his officers were suspended to allow for a thorough investigation.

Ranguma acknowledged solid waste as a major concern for Kisumu County and said that his office has received interest from several local and foreign companies for the provision of solid waste management services.

Ranguma said the Kisumu government had opted to pursue a policy for Integrated Sustainable Waste Management that will cross the entire county.