Contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi central business district, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Waste (E-Waste) is an increasing phenomenon constituting eight percent (8%) of urban solid waste. However, globally, only 10% of e-waste is properly managed. As the urban population continues to grow, e-waste levels rise, posing significant environmental and health hazards. In Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), the rapid turnover of electronic products has led to a surge in e-waste generation, with improper disposal and informal recycling methods worsening environmental pollution and public health risks. Many traders engage in unsafe disposal practices due to a lack of awareness, limited motivation, and existing perceptions about e-waste management. The main challenge is inadequate e-waste management strategies and how to minimize their effects on the environment and human health. Despite the increasing e-waste problem, most studies have extensively focused on the extraction of resources from e-waste and its environmental effects yet understanding these psychological factors is essential as they shape traders' behaviors, decision-making, and willingness to engage in sustainable e-waste management practices. The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi CBD, an area with a high concentration of electronic businesses and a significant e-waste disposal challenge. The specific objectives were to: examine the contribution of perception of electronic traders to e-waste recycling and reuse in Nairobi CBD; determine the contribution of awareness of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD; and assess the contribution of motivation of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD. These three psychological factors—perception, awareness, and motivation—were selected based on their fundamental role in shaping human behavior and decision-making in environmental management. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study population was 4,495 electronic traders in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), and a sample size of 400 traders was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, which ensures statistical reliability in estimating population characteristics. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the selected electronic traders. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test of independence, while effect sizes were determined using Cramer’s V coefficient to assess the strength of associations. The results revealed a statistically significant (χ² = 215.407, V = 0.199, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of perception to e-waste recycling and reuse; a statistically significant (χ² = 146.500, V = 0.143, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) contribution of awareness to e-waste management; and a statistically significant (χ² = 212.500, V = 0.172, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of motivation to e-waste management. The findings demonstrated that psychological factors, particularly perception and motivation, have the strongest influence on e-waste management behaviors. The study recommends targeted awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of e-waste risks and the benefits of proper disposal and recycling. Additionally, it proposes financial and regulatory incentives to increase traders' motivation to engage in formal e-waste recycling channels. Finally, the study advocates for greater involvement of electronic traders in structured e-waste recycling programs to ensure sustainable management practices. These findings are crucial for policymakers, environmental agencies, and stakeholders aiming to develop effective interventions for responsible e-waste management in urban commercial settings.