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.