Examining Local Malls Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness Strategy Against Terror Attacks in Nairobi

Abstract

This study was carried out against the backdrop of the Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi and an era of increasing terror attacks on soft targets globally. Notably, additional incidences in Kenya include the Dusitd2 attack of January 2019. Despite the Westgate attack being a key reference learning point for global disaster managers, few studies exist in Kenya on mitigation and preparedness strategies against terror attacks in shopping malls. This study aimed at contributing to knowledge on mitigation and preparedness for terror attacks in shopping malls using the case study of one of the largest new malls in the city in an affluent neighborhood, by examining the mitigation and disaster preparedness strategies against terror attacks. The study was guided by the following objectives: the role of mitigation and preparedness strategy for city malls; assess how the setup of security Management Systems of the Mall contributes to the mitigation and preparedness strategy; determine the nature of training offered to the security management team at the Mall and to assess the challenges faced by the mall disaster response department in the implementation of the mitigation and preparedness strategy against terrorism, and their key recommendations. The study used the Rational choice theory (RCT), and the circle capacities theory as a basis for framing the significance of disaster preparedness and mitigation. The study employed a descriptive research design targeting 262 security officers to whom questionnaires were administered and 5 mall managers as KIIs. Stratified random sampling was used to divide the security officers into strata based on role hierarchy from an existing employee database and simple random sampling to select respondents from each strata. Observation method was also used to observe the security management systems deployed at the mall. Quantitative Data collected was analysed by coding and interpreting which was then presented as frequencies, percentages tables, pie charts, histograms, and thematic discussion after content analysis of the qualitative data. The study‘s major findings and recommendations were noted as follows: The mall‘s strategy was adequate to mitigate and prepare against a terror attack since the mall has in place an advanced security management system that comprises among others, a large number of CCTV cameras that use revolutionary technology to offer security solutions, and an X-ray screening system that detects any hidden weapons in vehicles and on pedestrians, as well as retractable bollards that ensure that an individual cannot forcefully gain access. The mall has deployed an adequate number of security guards that are complemented by armed police officers to ensure the safety of their customers. The mall management regularly conducts a comprehensive training program that is oriented toward terrorism. Joint emergency and security drills between the mall and other emergency and security agents including international security agents are conducted regularly to enhance the security and disaster response posture of the mall. Some of the challenges noted in the implementation of the strategy include the need for the mall to ensure gender equity in terms of the deployment of its security officers The high turnover of guards poses a challenge to the training of security guards at the mall, who have to be retrained regularly. The study recommends that city malls enhance the disaster and mitigation strategy against terror attacks through measures such as conducting risk assessments, drafting and implementing emergency plans, deployment of effective security management systems, conducting continuous training and promoting collaboration with security state agents and emergency responders