TITLE:
Towards Zero Construction Waste in Coastal Kenya: Exploring Circular Solutions through Policy and Regulatory Pathways
AUTHORS:
Akunga Momanyi, Elizabeth Wambiri, Josephine Muchogu
KEYWORDS:
Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), Construction Waste, Construction Value Chain, Life Cycle Analysis, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle/Restore, and Return (RRRR)
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.14 No.9,
September
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Rapid urbanization, human settlement and industrialization along the coast of Kenya have led to substantial growth in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The resulting intensive resource consumption and extensive waste generation have significantly strained local terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Key waste streams include construction debris, demolition waste, wastewater, plastic waste, dust, chemical residue, and hazardous materials, which pose environmental and health risks and contribute greatly to the current marine litter menace. This paper adopts a life cycle perspective, analysing the entire production-consumption cycle of construction activities through comprehensive value-chain analysis. It applies a mixed methodological approach, entailing a review of existing international, regional, national, and sub-national Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) policy frameworks to identify and address critical gaps. Additionally, stakeholder consultations and qualitative assessments are used to identify critical regulatory gaps and inform recommendations. Key results indicate significant gaps in the adequacy of existing policies, policy implementation and regulatory frameworks concerning construction waste management. Recommendations include enhancing recyclability, using environmentally friendly materials, and establishing rigorous waste management strategies. Crucially, the study proposes the development of specific Construction Waste Management Regulations aimed at achieving zero construction waste through an integrated Reduce, Reuse, Recycle/Restore, and Return (RRRR) approach. The paper offers replicable models for sustainable urban development within the broader Western Indian Ocean region.