The Director General of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) Fazul Mahamed has announced his exit amid his push for fair pay for security officers.
Fazul made the announcement in a statement, indicating that he will be handing over to a new boss in the following weeks.
Additionally, he affirmed his decision to advocate for better working conditions, wages and the opportunity for growth for Kenyans working as private security officers.
“In the coming weeks and as I prepare to transition from my role as the Director General of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), I reflect on the incredible journey we have undertaken together.
“From the very onset, I had an uphill task of building an institution and establish a regulated sector from ground zero – a task that required vision, dedication, courage and unwavering commitment,” he stated.
Also Read: Fazul Mahamed: Meet the Man Who Wants to End Atwoli’s Reign as COTU Boss
PSRA Boss Fazul Mahamed Gives his Parting Shot
At the same time, Fazul said that from day one, he desired to elevate the private security industry in Kenya and honor the 1.3 million private security officers in Kenya.
Additionally, he reiterated that the push for according the officers their deserved minimum wages would continue.
“These cornerstones we laid bestowed respect and honor to the security guards. Private security guards are no longer invisible; they are essential contributors to our nation’s safety.
“Their dignity and adherence to minimum wage – is no longer negotiable. As and when I pass the torch to my successor, I am confident that they will carry forward with our noble commitment of ensuring the industry commits to professionalism and remain steadfast with the ultimate objective,” added Fazul.
The Authority has been closely monitoring the concerns raised by private security guards regarding unauthorized deductions from their salaries to cover the costs of mandatory security training.
Moreover, the authority had on June 10, given private security companies seven days to follow a new circular requiring them to pay security guards at least Ksh30,000.
Also Read: Atwoli Calls for Crack Down on ‘Rogue’ Private Security Firms
Fazul and Atwoli’s Feud
Fazul has in his stint at PRSA made headlines over his feud with Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) SG Francis Atwoli over the utilization of funds deducted from the salaries of security officers across the country.
Fazul earlier stated that he had initiated a forensic investigation into the matter.
COTU’s handling of funds deducted from private security guards over the years. He emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in managing contributions from private security guards.
“COTU is the subject of an active forensic investigation under Section 10 (b) of the Act on the collection and use of KES 1.7 billion that has over the years been deducted from Private Security Guards and remitted to COTU,
“The Authority without hesitation will choose and prioritize to stand on the side which supports improved welfare and empowerment of the Kenyan worker,” said Fazul in a past statement.
However, Atwoli has continuously dismissed Fazul’s claims, stating that PSRA is a regulator and not a trade union.
“COTU has no business with a regulator because we do not get our membership from any regulator. The membership of COTU is derived from Unions and not any regulator,” said Atwoli in a past statement.
In addition, Atwoli alleged that Fazul’s actions are motivated by a desire for a new position within the trade union sector.
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