A Survey of the Hiv/Aids Pandemic and its Management by Enterprises in Kenya: A Study of Firms Located in Nairobi

Abstract

The spread of HIV IAIDS in sub-Saharan Africa Kenya included is one of the greatest challenges facing the region in contemporary times. Both absolute numbers and rate of increase of the epidemic are astronomical. The study aimed to survey on HIVIAIDS pandemic and its management by business enterprises in Nairobi. The research method used in the study was the survey method and data was collected using interviews, questionnaires send to respondents and documented analysis. The data was analyzed using statistical package of social sciences and descriptive statistics was used to determine the variable dynamics in the study. It was found out that, the trend of HIVIAIDS in the business sector was serious and thus needs to be addressed effectively. Most of the enterprises reported to have incurred productivity losses due to an increase in their operation costs. A big number of enterprises do recruit to manage HIVIAIDS effects on the labour force. The employee employer relationship is also strained and job security threatened. Some enterprises do retrench the very sick workers but the majorities do mix them freely with the other employees. Again most of the enterprises were found to screen recruits as a pre employment requirement. Workers in the enterprise were found to treat their infected comrades with accommodation and understanding. The management and other employees have good degree of awareness about HIVIAIDS pandemic and most enterprises lack sufficient funds to fight HIV IAIDS. Creating HIVIAIDS awareness and prevention programs is the most suitable control approach suggested. The research achieved its objectives and to this effect it evident that HIVIAIDS is a major problem in business enterprises in Kenya as it may be to other sectors of the economy. Its recommended that the management should link with the Govermnent to come up with a proper and acceptable work program so as to effectively manage HIV IAIDS in the work place. The Government should also monitor the activities of all the organizations working against HIVIAIDS in the society so as to enhance efficiency. Further research should be done to brig to light the challenges of HIVIAIDS management in the workplace.