This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
On December 2, 2019, the Nation published a story that highlighted the plight of private security guards in Kenya. These guards, who work tirelessly to protect our homes and businesses, are often overlooked and underappreciated.
Security guards are a common sight in our cities, watching over commercial buildings and residential properties day and night. However, their working conditions are often harsh, with long hours, low pay, and little job security. According to the Nation, some guards earn as little as Sh6,000 per month, which is less than half the official minimum wage.
The government has a responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of private security guards. In 2016, the Private Security Regulation Act was passed, which aimed to improve the working conditions and pay of guards. However, a parliamentary committee chaired by Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei trashed proposed regulations that would have implemented the Act.
The regulations would have established standards for the employment and training of guards, as well as the scope of cooperation between guards and the police. They would have also increased the minimum wage for guards, with night guards earning up to Sh27,993 and day guards earning up to Sh25,641.
However, the committee cited spurious reasons for rejecting the regulations, including concerns about the power of arrest by private guards and the lack of public participation in the process. The Nation reported that heavy lobbying by security firms, some of which are owned or connected to politicians, may have contributed to the rejection of the regulations.
