Legislation and the Influx of Counterfeit Automotive Lubricants Among SMEs Engaged in Lubricants Trading in Nairobi County

Abstract

Purpose: The current study sought to investigate factors influencing the influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants in Kenya with reference to SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi. Specifically, the study investigates how legislation influences influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants among SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi..

Design/ Methodology/Approach: The study was grounded on the Game Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Theory of Planned Behaviour and the theory of Moral Reasoning and competency. The technique to be used in this research was descriptive in nature. The study targeted the 42 licensed SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi. Thus, the study conducted a census survey by covering all the units in the population. Semi-structured questionnaires formed a primary mode of data collection in the research with special focus on SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi County. In order to ascertain how valid and reliable the questionnaires are, a pilot study was carried out. The study used qualitative as well as quantitative methods which prior to analysis, data was sorted to ensure completeness.

Findings: The findings indicated that legislation (β=0.351, p=0.003) had a positive and statistically significant relationship with influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants among SMEs engaged in lubricants trading related.

Contribution to policy and practice: 

Purpose: The current study sought to investigate factors influencing the influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants in Kenya with reference to SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi. Specifically, the study investigates how legislation influences influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants among SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi..

Design/ Methodology/Approach: The study was grounded on the Game Theory, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Theory of Planned Behaviour and the theory of Moral Reasoning and competency. The technique to be used in this research was descriptive in nature. The study targeted the 42 licensed SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi. Thus, the study conducted a census survey by covering all the units in the population. Semi-structured questionnaires formed a primary mode of data collection in the research with special focus on SMEs engaged in lubricants trading in Nairobi County. In order to ascertain how valid and reliable the questionnaires are, a pilot study was carried out. The study used qualitative as well as quantitative methods which prior to analysis, data was sorted to ensure completeness.

Findings: The findings indicated that legislation (β=0.351, p=0.003) had a positive and statistically significant relationship with influx of counterfeit automotive lubricants among SMEs engaged in lubricants trading related.

Contribution to policy and practice:Therefore, based on the above findings, the study recommended the implementation of working and operational policies on forging need to be made serious. The key enforcement agencies including the police, Customs, the Fiscal Service, the anti-monopoly authorities and the consumer protection authorities need to cooperate and work in unison for the best interests of the automotive industry and to protect the brand owners. The customs register at the border likewise need to maintain high quality standards to face out the sale of counterfeit automotive counterfeit lubricants.