Analysis of seaport security measures in preventing cargo theft at Kilindini harbour in Mombasa, Kenya (2020-2024)

Abstract

The theft of goods and commodities within the supply chain presents a significant problem worldwide. The maritime industry is vital for the global economy. Millions of people and tonnes of goods that drive the global economy are annually moved across the world via oceans, lakes, and rivers. While this means of transport is indispensable, it is associated with inherent security-related challenges, such as robberies, vandalism, and thefts. The purpose of this study was to analyse the seaport security measures that have been put in place to control cargo theft crimes. The specific objectives of the study were to investigate the prevalence of cargo theft in Kilindini harbour at Mombasa seaport in Kenya between the years 2020-2024; analyse the nature of cargo theft for the same period; examine the security control strategies of cargo theft and establish the challenges facing the prevention of cargo theft in Kilindini harbour at Mombasa seaport in Kenya. The study was guided by two theories: - Defensible Space theory (1972), which was an advancement of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles by Ray Jeffrey (1971), and Rational Choice Theory (RCT), which was formulated by Ronald Clarke and Derek Cornish (1986). The study adopted a descriptive research design to provide an accurate and valid representation of the factors or variables that pertains and/ or was relevant to the research question. Quantitative data and qualitative data were collected, hence a mixed method approach. The key institutions of focus of the study were the Kenya Port Authority security department and the Kenya Police Service. The study respondents were 226 individuals. The study established that cargo theft at Mombasa Seaport remains a persistent and serious concern, with incidents perceived as widespread and detection efforts inconsistent. While modern security technologies have been introduced, their effectiveness is undermined by limited coverage, maintenance challenges, and inadequate human capacity. Operational bottlenecks and involving criminal methods such as document fraud and counterfeit seals continue to expose security gaps across the port system. Furthermore, despite the importance of inter-agency collaboration, underreporting remains a major barrier due to stakeholder mistrust in reporting processes, judicial delays, and limited institutional accountability. It is further envisaged that the recommendations of this study will contribute to the improvement of policies on security procedures and mechanisms of cargo theft prevention, thus increasing revenue generation, which will be of great benefit to the government operations and the people of Kenya in general. The study recommended enhancing intelligence-led surveillance, improving integration and staffing for security technologies, addressing operational bottlenecks and adaptive criminal tactics through procedural reforms, and strengthening reporting mechanisms alongside judicial accountability to restore stakeholder trust.