Pollution and urban life: a case study in Thika municipality, Kenya

Due to increased pollution activities in the world today, it is important to embrace the sustainable development principle. The principle of sustainable development is that the integration of economic, social and environmental concerns. Sustainable development recognizes that the economy and the environment are closely interrelated. Much economic activity uses up materials and resources, including forests and minerals, and creates waste products. Yet many economic activities, including agriculture, fishing and tourism, are also dependent on a healthy environment. The general objective of this study was to assess the con¬tribution of the community as it formed social groups to combat the pollution problem in Thika Municipality, Kenya. To achieve the objectives of this study, both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were used. The qualitative phase consisted of face-to-face interviews/administered questionnaires. In addition, the qualitative phases consisted of several focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to selected members of the community. In essence, the qualitative phase was used to provide more insights and findings obtained from the quantitative phase. In order to arrive at the targeted sample of 60 house-holds, the researcher visited the community. Among the major findings, air, water and solid waste pollution were adversely mentioned as the problem the community failed to quantify on pollution awareness. On the other hand, noise pollution was not considered to be harmful in any way to the community. This was due to the limited knowledge of the community. The major effects of pollution enumerated, included the destruction of buildings and other structures.