Private Security Firms Given 7 Days to Pay Guards 30K

Govt Issues 7- Day Ultimatum to Employers Over 30K Salary for Guards

The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has issued a seven-day notice to private security companies reminding them to comply with the minimum wage of Ksh30,000 set for private security guards.

In a statement dated June 10, PSRA Director General Fazul Mohamed directed security firms to submit a duly signed and commissioned Legal Commitment to pay the Government set minimum wage for Private Security Officers in the next seven days.

Fazul further said that any company that will not have submitted a signed commitment within the next seven days will risk cancellation of their certificate deregistration.

“Any private security company that fails to submit a duly signed and commissioned Legal Commitment to pay the Government set minimum wage of Ksh. 30,000/- for Private Security Officers (Security Guards) by the close of business on 17th June 2024 will face immediate cancellation of their Certificate of Registration and subsequent deregistration from the register of licensed private security service providers,” Fazul Mahamed said.

PSRA DG Fazul Mohamed goes through a routine security check at a mall in Nairobi. photo/PSRA

Govt Issues Ultimatum to Employers Overpay for Watchmen

PSRA noted that its mandate is to ensure compliance with minimum wage regulations and shall proceed, without further reference or reminder, to exercise its powers under Section 32 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016.

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The authority also noted that as of 10th June 2024 a significant number of private security companies had formally submitted legally binding commitments to pay Government set minimum wage of Ksh 30,000/- for private security officers in accordance with the legal instruments published by the PSRA.

Furthermore, the Authority shall be conducting periodic reviews of the compliance status of Private Security Companies with the provisions of the Act, consequently, the register of licensed private security service providers and those whose registration certificates have been canceled shall be regularly updated.

PSRA Introducing 30K Salary for Guards

The private security regulator first issued a statement on November 2, 2023, notifying employers of the new minimum wages (Ksh. 30,000) for security guards.

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The pay, according to the notice, would comprise Ksh18,994 basic pay, a house allowance of Ksh2,849, and an overtime allowance of Ksh 8,156.

PSRA noted, was aimed at improving both the welfare of the private security officers as well as the financial profile of the companies offering security services.

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