PSRA Director General Fazul Mahamed delivering a speech at a training and sensitization event at Sarova Stanley Hotel on Jan 10, 2024 (left). Security guards being inspected during the launch of Guard Force Numbers (GFNs) on March 30 (right). PHOTO | PSRA.
In Summary:
- The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is conducting a nationwide crackdown on unqualified security guards and companies.
- Employers found hiring unregistered security guards face significant fines and penalties.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), led by CEO Fazul Mahamed, has announced a nationwide crackdown aimed at eliminating unqualified security guards.
This initiative, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, May 29, also targets employers who hire these unqualified guards.
“Our compliance and enforcement department is currently undertaking robust countrywide; assignment to assignment, door to door, client to client enforcement visits and field compliance operations,” PSRA stated.
The operation ensures that all users and prospective users of private security services engage only with companies whose security officers meet statutory requirements for training, registration, and possession of Guard Force Numbers (GFNs).
According to Mahamed, a GFN is the sole proof that a private security guard is duly trained, registered, and licensed by the authority.
Those found guilty of hiring unregistered security guards commit a crime and are liable to conviction under the Private Security Regulations Act.
Employers of unregistered security guards face a Ksh500,000 fine upon conviction. Firms using services from unregistered security companies also commit an offence, facing a Ksh2 million fine or imprisonment, as specified by the court.
Additionally, violating companies may be deregistered and have their operating licenses cancelled.
Mahamed urged all security guards to ensure they have a GFN and meet other requirements before serving officially.
This directive was reiterated in a legal notice issued on November 2, 2023, which remains in force.
The notice mandates that all private security service providers employ only those guards who have undergone training, security vetting, are registered, and possess a GFN.
In recent months, PSRA has also introduced new guidelines to protect private security guards, including a proposal to pay them Ksh30,000 monthly.