A gendered perspective of knowledge of domestic solid waste management within informal settlement: A case of Kiandutu Informal Settlement, Kiambu County, Kenya

The disastrous way in which the domestic solid waste is managed has caused a global outcry due to its effect to both people and the environment. Subsequently it is the management of domestic solid waste at the household level that is envisaged to reduce these risks. This study aimed at examining the domestic solid waste management knowledge in men and women in Kiandutu Informal Settlement in Kiambu County, Kenya had. The consideration of men and women was a principal issue to put into consideration because every complete community is made up of the two sexes, with each exhibiting different perceptions and attitudes towards a similar situation as informed by their knowledge base in the matter in consideration. The study was guided by the Social Context Theory and Identity Theory. The findings revealed that knowledge passed on to either men or women through gendered socialization is critical in the shaping of how men and women perceive domestic solid waste. The domestic solid waste knowledge exhibited gendered opinions, thoughts and beliefs all being regulated by the irrefutable socio-cultural and environmental factors. The study therefore suggests that strategic gendered awareness creation is a prerequisite to effective knowledge base for domestic solid waste particularly in the informal settlements