Responses of small and medium enterprises in Athi River town to insecurity
Abstract
In the recent past, there has been an upsurge of violent criminal attacks, including armed
carjacking and home/Business Premises invasions/burglary, assault, rape and robberies within
Athi River town. These are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, vicious, and often fatal
with small and medium enterprises being affected greatly. This has led to the deteriorating
security situation not only in Athi River town but in the country generally. Insecurity is now
the biggest problem facing Kenyans ahead of even poverty which currently stands at 48% in
the country (Sunday Nation of March 18, 2007)
The purpose of this research was therefore to establish the responses of small and medium
enterprises to this insecurity with a view to recommending better ways of dealing with the
problem.
Data was collected via personal interviews and drop and pick questionnaires with four (4)
small enterprises of those surveyed being categorized as SME. Both random and stratified
sampling methods were employed in data collection. Data was coded and analyzed using
descriptive statistics
The findings were that the small and medium enterprises responded in various ways to the
problem of insecurity. The strategies adopted were adhoc and uncoordinated. Most preferred
dealing with the problem single handedly by way of employing guards, erecting burglar proof
doors and fences as others opted for vigilante groups.
It was noted that the law enforcement authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate
such acts. It is important for small and medium enterprises to work closely with law
enforcement agencies if the problem is to be dealt with exhaustively.
Citation
Masters of business administrationSponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
school of Business, University of Nairobi