Determinants of Airport Vulnerability to Security and Safety. A Case of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi
Abstract
Airport security and safety have in most instances affected by criminal activities resulting in far-reaching consequences in the air transport industry. Although airports across the world have put in place measures to deter security and safety vulnerabilities, still most airports suffer huge losses because of safety and security threats. This paper explores the determinants of airport vulnerability to security and safety at Kenya airports with a focus on Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi. Specifically, the paper focuses on external and internal determinants of Airport Vulnerability to Security and Safety at the airport of study. Using a descriptive research design, a sample of 296 respondents drawn from a target population of 1140, the study established that external factors including supportive stakeholders in the security and safety protocols at the airport, proper implementation of security protocols and measures by the airport operators, and periodic training of staff on safety and security have positively influenced the security and safety at the airport. In addition, the study also established that internally, the airport management has put measures to reduce airport vulnerability to security and safety including putting in place appropriate security policies and measures, equipping security personnel with required safety and security gadgets, and undertaking periodic training to staff on safety and security. The paper concludes that external factors have positively influenced the security and safety at the airport because of supportive stakeholders on the security and safety protocols and that internally, the airport management has put in place internal control to minimize the airport’s vulnerability to security and safety issues because the management has put in place appropriate security policies and measures, and engaged in training staff on safety and security. The study also recommends that the airport management invest more in procuring modern security and safety equipment for security personnel and develop evidence-based policies and best practices whose implementation will foster security and safety at the airport. The airport management should also closely monitor the implementation of all security and safety protocols and undertake periodic training, inspections and audits on safety and security matters to mitigate security risks at the airport.
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