The Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) has strongly opposed the Private Security Regulatory Authority’s (PSRA) plan to deduct training fees from its members’ salaries.
KNPSWU, representing over 1.3 million members, deems the cost exorbitant and views the process as a violation of the constitution due to lack of public participation. In a letter to private security firms, KNPSWU General Secretary Dr. Isaac Andabwa warned of legal action if the “forced deduction” continues.
PSRA had announced mandatory vetting, training, and registration for private security guards, with those trained and vetted to be licensed to continue working. However, PSRA did not clarify who would bear the training costs. Dr. Andabwa revealed that guards were being compelled to pay training fees ranging between Sh5,000 and 8,000, deducted directly from their salaries by employers.
“KNPSWU is seeking to know the service providers in terms of the training whether public or private as well as the custodian of the monies being deducted for the same,” said Dr Andabwa.
He said the deduction would impoverish the guards currently struggling to meet basic needs like meals, rent, and medical expenses among other necessities that life demands.
“The purpose of this communication is to urgently demand the stoppage of the said deductions until the guards are well informed and in voluntary consent with employers to effect the levy,” states the letter.
It adds: “It is well within our knowledge; the continued raid on the employee’s pockets has left many in deplorable situations in terms of their purchasing and bargaining power.”
Dr Andabwa said the matter should be put into open discussion and “an amicable way forward agreed upon, or else the union will be forced to move to court to seek legal address.”
KNPSWU chairman Elijah Manani said the mandatory deductions of Sh8,000 per guard by the Ministry of Interior were implemented without their input.
“We cannot continue fleecing the private security officer’s majority who earn below 13,000 and are living in abject poverty,” he said.
The union refuted claims made by PSRA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Fazul Mahamed that the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) receives Sh 1.63 billion from private security workers.
According to Mr. Manani, there are approximately 1.3 million private security workers in Kenya, but not all are members of the union or COTU (K). Only union members contribute funds to COTU, meaning those not affiliated with unions do not provide any financial support to COTU, as stated by the official.
“Our contributions to COTU are not above Sh1.2 million. Claims that the figure is Sh1.63 billion is false, non-factual and misleading and bound to rake havoc, personal insecurity and instability in the sector,” said Manani.
