This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, Kenya's Interior Affairs Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i gazetted regulations that grant private security guards the authority to carry firearms.
The new regulations also permit security guards to take on formal police jobs, such as quelling riots and participating in security work during elections.
Private security guards will be allowed to operate armored and rapid response vehicles, a move aimed at removing police officers from Cash In Transit (CIT) work.
Additionally, the guards will be permitted to use sirens and flash warning lights on highways, a privilege previously reserved for police and emergency service providers.
According to the Gazette notice, the private guards will enjoy these privileges under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police (IG).
Private security firms that employ the guards must be registered with the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) within the first six months.
The regulations have come into force to maintain law and order, handle national disasters, and provide general expertise in the security sub-sector.
