This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Kenya, private security guards are demanding better pay and protection from the government. According to Isaac Andabwa, Secretary General of the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union, the guards are essential service providers who deserve personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard their health.
Andabwa expressed concern that the guards are currently armed with only thermometers and hand sanitizer, making them vulnerable to the virus. He also pointed out that neither the Health nor the Interior ministry has implemented measures to improve the guards' wages.
"The stimulus package released by the President to cushion Kenyans against the effects of the pandemic gave nothing specifically to the security guards," Andabwa said.
Kenya's private security industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, with private security firms competing with international companies for a share of the market. However, the guards' wages have not kept pace with the industry's growth, with many firms paying less than Sh25,000 per month.
Andabwa called for better training for the security guards on how to deal with COVID-19 and what to do in case of an emergency. He also urged the government to annul the Private Security (General) Regulations, 2019, which were gazetted in July 2019 but failed to achieve adequate standards of public participation.
