This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
Published on January 2, 2020, the fate of over 150 security guards employed by Guard Force Group in Mombasa hangs in the balance after Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) ended their contract of service.
The guards were deployed to control the crowd at the Likoni Ferry crossing channel and offer security services at KFS installations, including its headquarters in Likoni.
A new security company has taken over these operations, leaving the guards unsure of their fate. On Thursday, they thronged the security firm's main offices in Nyali to demand their salaries.
Former guard Mshila Mwandawiro expressed concerns about the transition, stating, ''The transition has not been good. We fear the worst and are not leaving these premises until we are paid our dues.''
He claimed they needed assurance from the management over statutory deductions for National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Another guard, Ndakithi Muli, emphasized the urgency of their situation, saying they all had pressing needs this January and needed quick payment.
Guard Force Group's manager, Mr Charles Juma Omondi, assured the media that no one had lost their job, citing the normal practice of contract terminations.
He explained that their finance offices had closed for the long Christmas and New Year Holiday but had to recall officers to handle the payments.
''No one has lost a job here. You can see some guards are still in uniform. It is very normal for contracts to be terminated. Our firm is looking out for other contracts,” said Omondi.
