President William Ruto has announced plans to establish a formal framework linking Kenya’s private security officers with the National Police Service.
Speaking during a meeting with private security officers at State House on August 6, Ruto said the country’s large private security workforce plays a critical role in protecting people, businesses and institutions and should be recognized as an important partner in maintaining security.
“For that reason, we have approximately 100,000 police officers. We also have 1.3 million private security officers; when we have a framework that has understanding and relation between our police officers and private security officers, it will be easier in ensuring that security is maintained in all parts of our nation,” said Ruto.
According to the Head of State, Kenya has approximately 1.3 million private security officers compared to about 100,000 police officers, making collaboration between the two groups necessary to improve security across the country.
Government Plans Formal Link Between Private Security Officers and Police
Ruto said the government will develop a framework that will allow private security officers and state security agencies to work together while maintaining their different mandates.
Also Read: Ruto Directs All Security Companies to Comply With Minimum Wage for Guards
He said private security officers operate in many locations, including residential estates, commercial buildings, learning institutions, hospitals and industrial facilities, giving them access to information that can support national security.
The President directed the Inspector General of Police, together with the Ministry of Interior, Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and other stakeholders, to develop a cooperation framework between private security companies and the National Police Service.
“We shall have a meeting with the IG and his officers in charge of this through the Private Security Regulatory Authority and stakeholders and have a framework of inter-joining private security officers and our police,” added Ruto.
New Regulations to Create Career Path and Professional Recognition
President Ruto also announced plans to amend private security regulations to introduce a clear career progression structure for officers working in the industry.
Ruto said private security work should be recognized as a profession with opportunities for growth, rather than being viewed as casual employment.
“Private security Regulations will be changed and have a career progression path for private security officers,” he said.
He added that private security officers perform a different but complementary role to police officers by helping protect lives, property and institutions.
The government also plans to standardize training in the sector by bringing together institutions currently offering security training.
Ruto noted that training is currently provided through different channels, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, private security company-owned institutions, regulatory authorities and the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Also Read: Ruto Launches Free Ambulance Line with 1,243 Providers: How Kenyans Can Request
Ruto Tells Security Companies to Comply With Minimum Wage Rules
Ruto also directed the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) not to award government tenders to private security firms that fail to pay guards the statutory minimum wage.
The President further directed the Ministries of Interior, Labour and Public Service, together with the National Police Service, to develop and implement the proposed reforms within 60 days.
Ruto said compliance with the minimum wage is non-negotiable for all security companies and pledged to engage stakeholders in the sector to address any implementation challenges.
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