Integrated Security Solutions in Manufacturing Industries and Its Impact to Loss Prevention in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2024-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IAJAH
Abstract
The manufacturing sector has always been
a cornerstone of economic development,
particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions
like Nairobi, Kenya. As industrial activities
expand, so do the associated risks,
including theft, vandalism, and operational
losses. Nairobi's industrial area, in
particular, has witnessed significant
challenges related to security, impacting the
overall efficiency and profitability of
manufacturing firms. Loss prevention in
this sector has grown in importance,
necessitating the adoption of
comprehensive security measures that are
both proactive and reactive. Integrated
security solutions, which encompass a
combination of personnel, technology, and
procedures, have emerged as an essential
strategy for manufacturers aiming to
safeguard their assets. The study objectives
were; to assess the existing security
frameworks utilized by manufacturing
firms in Kenya, identifying both
technological and human resource
components and to identify key challenges
in implementing integrated security
solutions. The study was guided by Routine
activity theory which was developed by
Lawrence E. Cohen and Marcus Felson
(1979). The study adopted an explanatory
research design. The target population of
the study comprised manufacturing firms
operating within Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
According to the Nairobi County
Government (2021), there are
approximately 150 registered
manufacturing firms in this area. A
stratified random sampling technique was
used to ensure that the sample was
representative of different types of
manufacturing firms within the Industrial
Area. The population was divided into
strata based on the size of the firm (small,
medium, and large). A sample size of 50
firms was selected. This sample size was
determined based on Yamane’s (1967)
formula. The study relied on secondary data
as the primary research instrument. Data
analysis was conducted using both
descriptive and inferential statistical
methods. The study revealed that most
manufacturing firms in Nairobi's Industrial
Area employed a combination of
technological and human resource
components in their security frameworks.
Descriptive statistics indicated that 80% of
the firms used surveillance technologies,
such as CCTV cameras, as their primary
security tool. The findings from inferential
statistics showed a positive correlation (r =0.72, p < 0.05) between the use of
integrated security systems (technology and
human resources) and loss prevention,
indicating that firms with more
comprehensive security frameworks
experienced fewer security breaches. The
study also identified several key challenges
faced by manufacturing firms when
implementing integrated security solutions.
Additionally, 45% of the respondents
mentioned difficulties in keeping up with
technological advancements, as systems
often became outdated quickly, requiring
frequent upgrades. The study concluded
that the integration of technological and
human resource components plays a pivotal
role in enhancing loss prevention.
Manufacturing firms that implemented
advanced security systems such as
surveillance cameras, biometric access
controls, and alarm systems, in conjunction
with trained security personnel,
experienced fewer security breaches and
significant reductions in losses caused by theft, vandalism, and operational
disruptions. Manufacturing firms,
especially SMEs, should explore costeffective security technologies that offer
scalable solutions. Governments and
industry bodies can assist by providing
incentives, subsidies, or tax reliefs to lower
the initial costs of implementing advanced
security systems, enabling more firms to
adopt these technologies. The study
recommended that manufacturing firms
should invest in regular training programs
to enhance the skills of security personnel
responsible for managing and operating
integrated security systems. Firms must
prioritize regular upgrades and
maintenance of their security systems to
ensure that they remain effective and up to
date.
Description
Article
Keywords
Citation
Mburu, A. M. (2024). Integrated security solutions in manufacturing industries and its impact to loss prevention in Nairobi City County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities, 1(4), 394-406.