INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND ITS IMPACT TO LOSS PREVENTION IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND ITS IMPACT TO LOSS PREVENTION IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Amos Muiruri Mburu - Post-Graduate Students – Master of Security Management and Police Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
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 cost-effective 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.
