This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenyan private security guards are set to carry firearms and make arrests following the adoption of new regulations by the government.
According to The Standard, the regulations were gazetted on Friday, July 16, 2019, by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
The new guidelines empower security guards 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 make arrests under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police (IG).
Under the new regulations, 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.
The regulations emphasize the use of non-violent means to arrest suspects, with the option to employ force only when non-violent measures have failed.
“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,” the regulations state.
