This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
Kenya's private security sector is bracing for a major overhaul as the government sets a deadline for compliance with new regulations. By the end of this year, nearly 2000 private security firms and guards must be vetted and meet the new standards.
The Kenya National Private Security Workers' Union has established offices in Nairobi to screen all guards, with over 500 registered guards expected to be vetted by the end of the year. Those who fail to comply risk deregistration.
According to Isaac Andabwa, Secretary-General of the union, guards will need to acquire a certificate of good conduct, which will only be issued after vetting has been done. Security firms will also be required to meet set standards, including providing a conducive working environment and minimum wage.
Additionally, some guards will be trained to acquire special roles in January, currently undertaken by police. The new law allows guards to operate rapid response vehicles and is part of the government's intention to remove police officers from cash-in-transit work and those providing security to very important persons.
The new law aims to professionalize the security sector and raise standards of living for guards, providing a range of salaries to be paid. In Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, for example, a private security officer is expected to earn a minimum wage of Sh27,993 for a night guard and Sh25,641 for a day guard.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i gazetted the Private Security (General) Regulations 2019 on July 5, giving security firms less than four months to comply.
