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Operation firimbi: No ‘rungu’ for watchies who can not read

 Security Guards match on during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park 01/05/16 PHOTO MOSES OMUSULA

The proposed Private Security Regulation Act intended to reform and regulate the private security sector after decades of neglect, could lead to massive job losses and spell doom for many security firms, key industry players warn.

Stakeholders estimate that the industry has more than 1,000 security firms across the country, with a workforce of between 400,000 and 500,000 guards. Slightly over 110 security companies are known while the rest are unknown ‘briefcase’ outfits. 

Both Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) and Kenya Security Industry Association (KSIA) warned of hard times ahead. PSIA was categorical that loss of jobs was inevitable, while KSIA chose to play safe.

“We welcome the Act and will be happy to see an orderly industry so that those able to survive operate within the rules as respectable players in the sector. It is a huge industry that requires regulation,” observed PSIA chairman, John Karanja, whose association boasts of 82 registered member, while the rival KSIA has 30. Medium-level firms like Apex Security Services, Bed Rock Holdings Ltd, Cornerstone Security Ltd, Hatari Security Ltd, Lavington Security Guards Ltd, Patriotic Group Ltd and Senaca E.A Security Ltd are affiliated to PSIA. Meanwhile, KSIA has bigger companies like Wells Fargo, Bob Morgan Services Ltd, G4S Security Kenya Ltd, KK Security, Riley Services Ltd, Security Group of Companies Ltd, Radar Security Limited and Fidelity Security Services in its stable.

Firms that are not affiliated to the two associations are described as small and micro, with roots mostly in semi-urban and rural areas. They are unable to raise membership registration fees and according to Karanja, the regulations will not favour them. Karanja suggests that a moratorium should be placed on the small firms to enable them raise the standards before being subjected to the regulations.

There has been an outcry that these firms do not pay the minimum wage of about Sh12,000, with most of their guards taking home a net salary of between Sh4,000 and Sh7,000.

“If there is no safety net for them, then they will simply collapse, since they cannot meet the minimum wage, train guards or engage them in refresher courses every year,” Karanja says.

Karanja expressed fear that some of his members were already planning to cut staff to offset extra costs incurred in the implementation of the new regulations.

“Alternatively, guards may not lose their jobs, but will become domestic workers, hence losing all the benefits accompanying CBAs (Collective Bargaining Agreements),” he added.

KSIA chairman, Christopher Everard, while welcoming the regulation, also expressed fears that some firms might not survive.

“Some companies that are not paying the minimum wage are likely to reconsider their positions in the market. But generally, it is a good thing (regulation) that has been lacking. Let’s wait and see how the industry will respond after regulation,” stated the general manager of Ultimate Security Ltd.

Under the new Act, training will be mandatory for all guards. Those who pass will be given licences that will enable them gain employment. This means that basic education will be essential for one to qualify for training.

Although the industry has traditionally relied heavily on semi-literate staff, due to biting unemployment, the sector has attracted holders of primary, secondary, college and even university certificates. Traditionally, guarding is a last-option for desperate men and women seeking employment.

But once the Act is fully operational, and the Private Security Regulation Board established, acquisition of skills will be compulsory – those without education or with low level of education risk being edged out.

The minimum level of education expected is a primary school certificate to be verified by the Private Security Regulation Authority that shall formulate and enforce standards for the conduct of guards and employers.

Guards will attend training on security matters at institutions accredited by the authority. Up on completion, they will apply for a licence from the authority with proof that they are Kenyan citizens with no criminal record. Licences will only be issued to successful applicants. The authority will keep a record of all persons involved in the sector. Retired police officers willing to join must produce discharge and clearance certificates.

Isaac Andabwa, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) said he will fight against discrimination of members on the basis of their level of their education. He promised to ensure that those without KCPE certificates retain their jobs.

“You are either within the law or out. We cannot close businesses because of a requirement to stick to the law. What we understand is that both the employer and employee will have to meet certain criteria and there is nothing wrong with that,” he said.

The official added that they will ensure that guards without requisite academic papers are allowed to go back to class while retaining their jobs.

Employers will have to observe a strict code of conduct that strives to ensure the highest standards, besides supporting the application of a transparent and fair licensing system.

They have to provide basic training for new employees where State institutions do not provide it, and internal training systems covering international and national law, cultural sensitivity, first aid and gender issues, and additionally, train on a continuous basis.

On the code of conduct, the Act further states: “...ensure staff have no criminal record, not committed past human rights violations and have not been dishonourably discharged from State organs that provide security services or similar agencies abroad.”

A private security job is shunned by many Kenyans who tend to associate the career with failures in life. But the job will soon be competitive, attracting some of the best brains.

Pressure is mounting on the need to constitute the Private Security Regulation Board, which will immediately embark on the process of recruiting qualified individuals who will sit on the Private Security Regulation Authority.

Jostling and canvassing for positions in the board and the authority is in top gear, The Nairobian has learnt.

Since time immemorial, the industry has remained unregulated, giving employers a free hand in an industry with the potential to directly transform the lives of more than half a million Kenyans.

Guards protect corporate firms, industries, learning institutions, religious institutions, shopping malls, entertainment joints, hospitals, government buildings and facilities and regulation is meant to streamline and professionalise the industry.

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