This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
On July 18, 2020, private security guards in South Nyanza region called on the Government to expedite the implementation of private security regulations, which were initially set to take effect in January 2020 but have been hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kenya Private Security Workers Union and the Private Security Service Providers Association made the appeal in Kisii town, urging the Government to double their minimum wages to Ksh 25,000 from Ksh 14,000 and allow them to possess firearms.
Union Secretary Zachariah Ondieki Maroro also requested the Government to consider security guards under the stimulus program, which would support those who have lost their jobs.
Maroro criticized some employers who allegedly used the COVID-19 pandemic as a pretext to lay off employees and then hire new ones, and urged employers to pay security guards on time at the end of every month to enable them to cater for their needs during the pandemic.
Rev. James Mogire, Chairman of the area Security Service Providers Association, emphasized the need for the Government to involve their organizations when harmonizing laws that affect them, so that they can provide input.
Rev. Mogire also highlighted the association's need for support from well-wishers to supply security guards with sanitizers, masks, and gloves, as they meet many visitors and screen them for COVID-19 disease symptoms.
Other security guards, including Hesborn Obara of Seito security Firm and Jared Angwenyi of Gimo Security guards, called for vigilance among security guards and proposed that all guards be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), especially those who get into contact with many people in shopping malls, schools, and health institutions.
