ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS IN KENYA

Abstract

Internet Service Providers play a crucial role in enabling connectivity among individuals and businesses by utilizing a range of technologies such as landline telephony, mobile networks, and internet services. Telecommunication companies in Kenya face several challenges that hinder their sustainable performance, despite the rapid growth of the sector. The general objective of this study is to assess the influence of electronic waste management practices on environmental performance of Internet Service Providers in Kenya. Specifically, it sought to determine the influence of E-Refurbishment on environmental performance of Internet Service Providers in Kenya and to examine the influence of E-Safe Disposal on environmental performance of Internet Service Providers in Kenya. According to the communication authority report (2023), in Kenya there are Tier 1 (n=4), Tier 2 (n=35) and Tier 3 (n=113), N=152 ISP companies which are also categorized as network infrastructure service providers by CA market segmentation. The unit of analysis was 152 Internet Service Providers while the unit of observation was 304 respondents comprising of operations manager and the chief executive officers working with the Internet Service Providers. The study used Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula to arrive at the sample size. The study used simple random sampling to select 173 respondents. This study also used questionnaire to collect data relevant to this study. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques which are frequencies, mean, standard deviation. Inferential statistics which include Pearson correlation and the Regression Analysis Model was used to test the relationship between study variables. The significance of the model was tested at 5% level of significance. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that electronic waste refurbishment has a positive and significant effect on performance of Internet Service Providers in Kenya. The study also concludes that electronic waste safe disposal has a positive and significant effect on performance of Internet Service Providers in Kenya. Based on the finding, the study recommends that the management of internet service providers in Kenya should adopt a structured electronic waste refurbishment program to restore and reuse outdated but functional equipment. By refurbishing devices, ISPs can reduce capital expenditure on new equipment, expand service coverage in underserved areas cost-effectively, and support sustainability goals.

Key Words: Electronic Waste Management Practices, Environmental Performance, Internet Service Providers, E-Refurbishment, E-Safe Disposal