A model for Real Estate Security Management System: Study of Commercial buildings in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Most commercial buildings in Nairobi are vulnerable to various forms of insecurity threats, some as severe as terrorist attacks. Proprietors of these buildings have invested heavily in latest security techniques and technology. Social and technological dynamics have resulted in unforeseen security threats that demand constant upgrading of existing interventions to secure the properties. This study analyzed the current security procedures in five commercial buildings within Nairobi County and developed a Model Real Estate Security Management System. The objectives of this study were to: determine the security procedures used within the five commercial buildings; determine weaknesses and challenges associated with their current security system; determine the requirements for the security management system and develop an improved real estate security management system model. The Study adopted rapid development methodology for system modeling and development while requirements were gathered and analyzed qualitatively. The target population comprised of 50 members of staff of the buildings. A sample of 35 respondents was purposively selected. A web based model security management system was designed and developed using Unified Modeling Tools to depict the design plan. The Study findings revealed that existing security procedures are manual and they are exposed to misplacements and alterations while the systems are not integrated and do not allow sharing of information. Also, existing security technologies are expensive and do not meet the expected standards. The system that this study proposes allows collaboration and sharing of information among the various stakeholders and real estate agents to enhance security for the buildings and their occupants. The developed web based security system can be used by any real estate agency, security agencies and law enforcers, the study recommends integrating the model real estate security system to the conventional security devices such as alarms detectors, cameras, e.tc to positively identify visitors, report crime properly, collaborate, and share information with other buildings’ management agents at a lower cost. Continuous study and implementation has been suggested on leveraging latest technologies to enhance security as new threats keep on emerging.