This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenyan private security guards are set to undergo a significant transformation with the adoption of new regulations that grant them the authority to carry firearms and make arrests.
According to The Standard, the regulations were gazetted on July 12, 2019, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Under the new guidelines, security guards will be empowered to take on roles previously performed by police officers, including quelling riots and providing security during elections.
They will also be allowed to ride in armored and rapid response vehicles, blare sirens and flashing warning lights on highways, and enjoy other privileges under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police (IG).
The regulations state that all private security companies must be freshly registered with the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) headed by Fazul Mohamed within the first six months.
Private security companies will be required to issue guards with uniforms bearing a clear and bold label 'Private Security' and a company patch to facilitate easy identification.
Security guards will be allowed to make arrests and hand over suspects to the nearest police station, using non-violent means whenever possible.
As per the regulations, 'A private security service provider shall as far as is reasonably possible, use non-violent means in arresting any suspected offender and may only employ force when non-violent measures have failed to prevent escape.'
