Availability of security equipment and their effectiveness in enhancing security in higher learning institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

Security is a prerequisite for the development of societies. Several security measures have been proposed for execution in higher institutions of learning to mitigate heightened insecurity incidents. Despite these measures, higher institutions of learning continue to report insecurity incidents. This paper presents an analysis of the available security equipment and their efficacy in enhancing security in higher learning institutions. The study was anchored in both securitization and competence theories. A mixed-method approach, which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative approaches, was utilized. The study adopted a descriptive research design.  The target population was the student leaders from both the Kenya College of Accountancy University and the Multimedia University of Kenya and the staff in the security departments of both universities' registrars. The study targeted a total of 120 respondents, including 32 security managers, 81 security officers, 2 registrars, and 5 student leaders from both institutions.  Simple and purposive sampling techniques were used to generate the sample size of 120 respondents. The study examined primary data, which was collected using questionnaires and key informant guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 to give frequency distribution, means, and percentages, and findings were presented using tables, graphs, and charts. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic narrations, with findings presented using narrations and descriptions. The study findings reveal that incidents of insecurities have increased across institutions of higher learning in Kenya. In response, these institutions have beefed up security, although challenges persist, hindering the effective implementation of the needed security measures. The study established that both MKU and KCA Universities had implemented security equipment to some degree, although most of them are outdated or not properly maintained. The study recommends that universities should increase their investment in physical security, in buying and maintaining security equipment, and should adopt more visibility security measures as a way of improving the security situation.