Siaya town is facing mounting pressure over its waste management system due to the absence of a formal dumping site.
While the municipality continues to maintain general cleanliness using temporary strategies, the town still lacks an officially designated waste management facility, sparking concern among residents and traders.
"For now, we don't have an official waste management site, but rather a dumping site which is functional," said Diana Adhiambo, officer-in-charge of waste management at the Siaya municipality.
The current site, within the town near Siaya Scout Centre, sits on government land but lacks official status and environmental approval.
It serves as a temporary solution while the county seeks a permanent alternative.
According to municipal officials, a previously acquired site was abandoned after environmental concerns were raised by the National Environment Management Authority.
"The first land we acquired had compliance issues flagged by Nema, forcing us to vacate and look for another suitable location," Adhiambo said.
In response, Siaya county government issued a 2024-25 Fiscal Year tender to acquire a new site in Alego Usonga.
The new parcel in Bar Osimbo, has been identified and purchased. According to municipal officers, the agreement has already been signed and the procurement process is nearly complete.
"Once the process is finalised, Siaya will have an officially approved waste management site that will serve the town and surrounding areas," Adhiambo said.
Despite the absence of a permanent dumpsite, the municipality has made efforts to keep the town clean. Public spaces such as Governor’s Park and Ahindi Gardens have been equipped with litter bins to support proper waste disposal.
"We have placed bins in key locations so that residents and visitors can dispose of litter properly. These areas are commonly used by people seeking rest, fresh air, or a quick snack," Adhiambo said.
Residents offered mixed feedback on these efforts.
William Oduor, a resident enjoying the park, praised the initiative saying, "These parks are beautiful and peaceful places to relax. The government has done well by providing bins to help keep the area clean."
However, Christine Achieng, a local ice cream vendor, noted that many of the bins were in disrepair. "Most of them are worn out and can no longer hold litter. The waste department should repair them to ensure they remain useful," she said.
Across other parts of the town, various temporary dumping spots are used for collecting waste, which is later transported for disposal at the dumping site.
Celestine Onyango, a vegetable seller at Siaya market, confirmed that the system generally works but not everyone agrees.
Grace Anyango, who owns a hotel behind Huduma Centre along Ng’ong’a Kodima Road, expressed frustration over an abandoned temporary dumping spot near her premises.
"People continue to dump waste here, but it’s left unattended. The smell, especially when it rains, drives customers away. We’ve complained, but nothing has changed," she said.
Similar concerns were echoed by Esther Ochieng, a student at Siaya National Polytechnic living near the current dumping site.
"The careless disposal of waste near schools, churches around here, and homes shows little concern for our health. Even children are exposed to this hazard," she said.
Erick Ochieng, another resident, pointed out heaps of diapers and litter along the roadside, just next to Township school calling for better enforcement.
"The county should ensure all waste is taken to the right place. Dumping on roadsides sends the wrong image and creates serious health risks," he said.
In response, Clementine Anyango, another municipal environment officer, emphasised that maintaining Siaya's cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
"Cleanliness starts with you. We encourage residents to do their part and take ownership of their surroundings," she urged.
She also called on the youth to organise themselves into groups and register with the municipality to provide door-to-door waste collection services at a fee, an initiative aimed at combating youth unemployment while improving community hygiene.
The municipality also recruits casual workers every three months to handle waste collection and street cleaning, with minimum qualifications being a national ID, residency in Siaya, and age 18 or above.
"We welcome the youth to apply whenever recruitment is advertised. Waste management isn't just a government duty, it requires all of us to get involved," Anyango said.
As the county finalises its new waste management site in Bar Osimbo, hopes remain high that the people of Siaya, especially those living near the current dump site, will soon enjoy cleaner, safer surroundings.
For now, the town continues to balance between improvisation and long-term planning in its quest for a cleaner, healthier future.
