The government has designed a standardized training programme for private security companies as part of the reforms agenda in the industry.
This marks a crucial step forward in establishing clear industry standards and a recognized code of ethics for guards in an effort to prepare them efficiently navigate the complexities of the evolving security landscape.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has described the curriculum as a product of a highly consultative process among key stakeholders, with a focus on elevating the professionalism and competency of private security guards in the country.
“At the heart of these security reforms is providing them with the right training so that they can detect, deter and effectively respond to the current and emerging security threats appropriately,” he said, adding that the comprehensive training will also foster public trust in the capabilities of the personnel.
The PS was speaking in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, during the opening of the first training school for private security guards.
The industry currently employs close to one million people and records an annual revenue of Sh 100 billion, which Omollo notes highlights how a critical driver the sector is for the economy in terms of job creation and contribution to Kenya’s GDP growth.
The PS divulged that the government also intends to equip private security guards with the requisite tools of trade even as they complement the country’s national security agencies.
“These guards are part of the first line of emergency response. Their quick action makes a significant difference in the outcome of critical situations. That is why we are very passionate about re-engineering and streamlining the industry’s operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery,” PS Omollo said.
Omollo expressed government’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the Private Security Industry in law enforcement and management of crime.
The programme also prescribes issuance of Security Force Numbers to the trained officers and improvement of their welfare, labour rights and remuneration.
“As a responsible government, we also recognize that private security guards can be cogent partners for maintenance of law and order and even the collection and preservation of evidence from crime scenes,” he said.
The Director for Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA)Fazul Mohammed announced that the government has also organized a three-day training for all the directors of the private security firms in the country in an effort to harmonize and align the operations of the industry with the country’s national security priorities
