The Kenyan government has initiated a comprehensive vetting and licensing process for private security providers, mandating compliance with the Private Security Regulations Act 2016. All firms must undergo scrutiny by the Private Security Regulations Authority, with unqualified entities barred from operating after 31 March 2020.
The move follows complaints from security companies about taxation policies. On 7 December 2019, the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) submitted a memorandum to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), arguing that current tax structures impose excessive costs. PSIA Chair Cosmas Mutava cited delayed client payments, noting firms often pay 16% VAT and employee wages upfront while awaiting payments that can take up to 120 days.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Private Security Workers’ Union accused firms of underpaying staff. On 31 October 2019, Secretary General Isaac Andabwa told a parliamentary committee that some companies paid guards as little as Sh8,000 monthly despite receiving Sh50,000 per guard from clients. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Karanja Kibicho acknowledged the need for balance, stating the government would address both employer and worker concerns through regulatory reforms.
