Thesis:

Effects of insecurity on the sustainability of small businesses in Webuye township, Bungoma county, Kenya

Small businesses are vital engines of economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction, particularly in developing regions. However, persistent security challenges— including theft, vandalism, cybercrime, and weak law enforcement—pose significant threats to their sustainability. This study assessed the effects of security challenges on the sustainability of small businesses in Webuye Township, Bungoma County, Kenya. The objectives were to identify prevalent security threats, evaluate their effects on business operations, assess the effectiveness of existing security measures, and recommend policy interventions to enhance business resilience. Guided by the Routine Activity Theory (RAT) and Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach within a cross-sectional descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to select a representative sample of 375 businesses from a target population of over 3,000 small enterprises. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, with ethical safeguards including informed consent, confidentiality, and NACOSTI approval. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., chi-square and regression analysis), while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that 57.3% of respondents were male, 42.7% were female, and the majority (30.7%) were aged between 26–35 years. Most businesses had secondary or diploma-level education and had operated for 4–6 years. Key security challenges included burglary (74%), extortion (58%), and cyber fraud (49%). Notably, 62% of businesses reported revenue losses due to insecurity, and 47% reduced operating hours or avoided expansion due to security concerns. The study concluded that insecurity significantly undermines small business growth by increasing operational costs, deterring investment, and limiting sustainability. Current security interventions were found to be inadequately enforced or financially burdensome. The study recommends enhanced community policing, digital security training, subsidized surveillance systems, and stronger law enforcement partnerships. Policy efforts should prioritize localized, context-sensitive approaches to bolster business resilience in high-risk townships like Webuye. These findings are expected to inform both policy and practice, contributing to a safer and more sustainable business environment.