The government through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has given the way forward on the recruitment of Private Security Guards.
In a statement on March 14, 2024, the authority declared that it shall be undertaking the mass registration of security guards at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on 30th March 2024 starting from 8.30 am.
“In view of the provisions of the law and the Government directive on mandatory nationwide registration of private security officers (Security Guards), the Authority will be launching mass registration of private security officers and issuance of Guard Force Numbers (GFNs) starting with 30,000 security guards in Nairobi,” read part of the statement.
Further, the Authority said that the training, registration and licensing of private security officers is not only a mandatory statutory requirement but also a potent tool in addressing the key professional development areas within the private security industry.
According to the Authority, Private Security Service Providers are required to release and facilitate the attendance of their private security officers to the official recruitment function.
On the other hand, Private Security Guards who are off duty, on leave or night shift were also instructed to attend the event, which PSRA noted that is designed to professionalize the private security industry in Kenya.
Also Read: Five Companies Drop Case Against Govt Over Ksh 30K Salary for Guards
Additionally, all private security guards will be required to wear their official work uniforms.
PSRA also noted that the forum is free of charge, urging companies to confirm the attendance of their private security officers through the authority’s email or get in-touch with its officer Sophia Matheka through an attached telephone number.
PSRA
The Private Security Regulatory Authority is a Government Agency established under Section 7 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016.
PSRA is charged with the responsibility of regulating the Private Security Industry in accordance with the Act and the values and principles set out in the Constitution.
“Section 21 and 28 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016 require that no person shall engage in the provision of private security services or offer private security services in Kenya unless that person has been security vetted and registered by the Private Security Regulatory Authority in accordance with the Act,” notes PSRA.
Also Read: Salary Increase for Security Guards Stopped
Further, Section 23(2)(d) of the Act envisages security training as a prerequisite condition for the registration of individual private security service providers.
According to the authority, the Guard Force Number (GFN) is the only proof that a security guard is duly registered and licensed by the Authority in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
This comes after the authority directed private security companies to pay security guards a minimum wage of Ksh30,000 and Ksh27,183 for those in Nairobi and outside Nairobi respectively.
However, the Employment and Labour Relations court suspended the looming salary raise for security guards in the country in a ruling on February 1, 2024, until a case filed challenging the process is heard and determined.
