MATAN, ABDULLAHI ABDI KADIR2022-03-032022-03-032021-06http://erepository.mku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5665Hospital waste management requires an organized systematic channeling of waste through practically appropriate recovery disposal routes, consistent with acceptable public health and environmental safeguards. Management of hospital wastes is identified as one of the most critical operations in hospital environment. This is because such wasted can cause serious health problems. The Ministry of Health estimates 47% of hospital waste generated cannot be accounted for, thus risking the health of individuals and the general environment. The study was aimed to identifying and assessing the determinants of effective waste management practices in public health facilities in Garissa County. The specific objectives of the study focused on effectiveness of waste management practices, exposure to hospital wastes and health risks associated with hospital wastes in public health facilities in Garissa County. The study adopted a cross sectional design. The target population of this study is 2240 management staffs in 32 public health facilities in Garissa County and 500 households around the damp sites. The study used stratified proportionate sampling to sample of 340 staff and random sampling to sample 328 members of the community potentially exposed to hospital wastes. Quantitative and qualitative research data was collected through questionnaires and observation respectively. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to analyze categorical data while Chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between the variables. The analysis was aided by GraphPad Prism statistical software version 7.04. The data was presented in tables, bar graphs and charts. From the findings, it was concluded that on averagely, proper hospital waste segregation occurs in Garissa County health facilities. Most health facilities were established to have in place informed and dedicated who follow waste management guidelines. On the other hand, it was evident from the findings that most health facilities in Gerissa County lack suitable and adequate temporary waste holding and treatment areas. Similarly, there health facilities have inadequate transportation mechanisms hampering regular emptying of waste containers. In addition, available incineration facility was not in good condition. As a result of poor health waste management, people living around waste management areas are exposed to health risk including contaminated sharps, contaminated ground water, and food poisoning as well as skin infections. The study recommends that appropriate clinical waste management should be put into place to ensure protection of human health and the environment. Similarly, adequate and appropriate waste handling and management equipment be availed to health facilities for efficient waste management. Staff involved in waste handling and management should be trained to minimize injuries and to enhance hospital waste management efficiency and effectiveness. Lastly, waste management areas should be isolated and fenced and communities living around the areas sensitized on the potential health hazards and how such hazards can be avoided.enHospital waste managementBio hospital wasteThesis