The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has called for the immediate reinstatement of licenses for 9 security companies accused of breaching provisions of the Private Security Regulation.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 5, FKE condemned the move by the Private Security Regulations Authority (PSRA) adding that it was done without fair administrative processes.
Additionally, the federation noted that the move also led to severe job losses, business disruptions, and reputational damage.
According to the federation, the crackdown by the Private Security Regulations Authority had affected the operations of several security companies in the country.
“FKE strongly appeals for the immediate reinstatement of licenses for the 9 security companies whose licenses were summarily canceled by the PSRA. The cancellation occurred without adherence to fair administrative processes enshrined in the constitution,” the statement read in part.
“This has exposed the sector to severe job losses, business disruptions, and reputational damage.”
Also Read: Govt Revokes Licenses of 9 Private Companies [LIST]
Employers Issue Arguments Over the Demands
The federation argued that the decision made by the government to revoke the licenses was done without prior written notice adding that it did not give the companies an opportunity to defend themselves.
“There was no prior written notice, no opportunity for the companies to defend themselves, and no chance to address identified gaps.
“This hasty decision has resulted in substantial losses for the affected companies, impacting the livelihoods of countless youth, and causing disruptions for clients who rely on these services,” added the statement.
As a result, FKE also called for the suspension of the guard numbers order.
“It is crucial to determine whether the assigned numbers are a product of training and guard registration or if they stem from employment by a registered security firm or club.
“This clarity is vital for the industry’s stability and the effective implementation of any related regulations,” pleaded the federation.
Also Read: Salary Increase for Security Guards Stopped
Govt Revokes the Licenses
In February, PSRA announced the cancellation of licenses of Victory Protective Services Africa Limited, Victory Consultants Limited, Bedrock Security Services Limited and Bedrock Security Alarms Systems and Product Limited.
Other companies affected included Senaca East Africa Limited, Hipora Security Solutions Limited, Salama Fikira International (Kenya) Limited, Marco Security Limited and Superb Marketing Solutions Limited.
Further, PSRA explained that the nine companies had failed, declined, or refused to comply with minimum wage regulations.
Also, it warned users, prospective users or representatives of users of security services not to procure, hire or otherwise engage security services from the nine companies.
The authority directed private security to pay security guards a minimum wage of Ksh 30,000 and Ksh 27,183 for those in Nairobi and outside Nairobi respectively.
“The companies have contravened Section 33 of the Act having employed and/or engaged Private Security Officers who are not in possession of Guard Force Numbers as proof of registration by the Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Act,” indicated the notice.
