This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
Kenya's private security sector is bracing for a major shake-up as the government prepares to publish a list of all licensed companies by the end of July.
According to a confidential memo dated July 5, 2021, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has directed all heads of departments and the vetting committee to submit 'any and all pending vetting reports' to the Chief Executive's office for compilation.
The memo also requires the submission of a list of all private security companies alongside the names of their directors and senior management who have not undergone statutory security training.
Private Security Industry Association Chairman Cosmas Mutava expressed surprise at the new development, wondering when the vetting and training of managers was done.
'I am not aware of any plans to publish and gazette the companies,' he told The Standard.
The government's plan to vet and license all private security providers was announced in December 2019 and was supposed to take three months until March 31, 2020.
However, the process was put on hold after private security companies protested and petitioned various arms of government, including Parliament.
Activist Okiya Omtatah later moved to court to stop the vetting, questioning the timing and public participation in the process.
The case is ongoing at the High Court, with Justice Anthony Mrima issuing conservatory orders on March 10, 2021, restraining PSRA from issuing letters purporting to be certificates of registration pending the hearing and determination of the case.
