Govt embarks on mandatory registration of private security guards, says PS
By Dickson Odhiambo
August 11, 2023
Govt embarks on
mandatory registration of private security guards, says PS
THE Government has embarked on a mandatory registration of
all private security guards across the country, a Principal Secretary has said.
Principal Secretary in the
Ministry of Interior and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo says this
essential step will not only foster a higher level of professionalism within
the industry but also provide a structured framework for monitoring and
regulating their activities while on duty.
Addressing Private Security Guards
during the official opening of the Regional Private Security Regulatory
Authority in Kisumu and stakeholders sensitization forum on private security
guards registration, the PS the journey to reform the private
security sector took a significant turn a few weeks ago when the government
launched a standardized training for them.
The Principal Secretary says the
enhancement of regulations and standards within this sector not only ensures
the safety and well-being of our citizens, but also contributes significantly
to the overall stability and resilience of this nation.
Dr Omollo says the Government has recognized
that private security guards can be cogent partners for maintenance of law and
order.
“That is why we have come out strongly
to prescribe this move to better track, evaluate, and elevate the quality of
their services within our communities,” Dr. Omollo says.
The PS adds that the Government has
initiated the process of issuing security force numbers to private security
officers who have successfully completed training in accordance with the
private security training curriculum.
“This number serves as a distinctive
identifier, designed to streamline the recognition of private security officers
by the general public and also to facilitate the government’s ability to
monitor and manage licensed private security personnel effectively,” he adds.
Dr Omollo says that this alone is not
sufficient to drive the desired outcomes and transformation within this
industry, adding that it must delve deeper into the core issues to truly bring
about meaningful change.
“Yet again, this is why we are keen on
ensuring an appropriate training environment that will guarantee that our
private security officers receive the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical
understanding required to navigate even the most complex situations,” the PS
further says.
He says the Government has endorsed C
and M Private Security Training Institute in Kisumu County as the first accredited Private
Security Training Institution in the Lake Region, adding that it not only meets
the growing demand for well-trained professionals but also raises the bar by
ensuring the highest level of professionalism, competence, and integrity in the
private security sector.
He further says the Government expect private security training institutions to meet national training standards and international best practices in order to generate skilled labour not just for the Kenyan market but also for the global market.
“On behalf of the government, I appeal to local and international partners to join us and actively engage with this initiative and contribute to its success. We invite willing investors to come on board through the establishment of modern training facilities, which can help us truly fortify the foundation of our private security sector and bolster its capabilities,” Dr Omollo further adds.
The PS says the government has already seen the potential that lies in this sector adding that the industry currently employs close to one million people and records an annual revenue of KES. 100 billion, and this highlights how a critical driver the sector is for the economy in terms of job creation and contribution to Kenya’s GDP growth.
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