The Kenyan government, through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), has launched a series of initiatives designed to enhance the private security sector and fortify national security. Director General of PSRA, Fazul Mahamed, made the announcements at a press conference held at the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi.
The central component of these reforms is the introduction of Guard Force Numbers for private security officers, a move aimed at improving oversight and coordination within the private security sector while simultaneously enhancing national security.
“This number is a unique identifier designed to facilitate easy recognition of private security officers by members of the public and to assist the government in keeping track of licensed private security officers,” Fazul stated. The DG emphasised that the measure will also help in monitoring the operation of licensed private security officers across the country.
In addition to these identification efforts, the government is working to integrate private security companies into the national security infrastructure.
“Once formalised, private security providers will have a direct line of communication with the government’s command and control centre to minimise bureaucratic red tape and speed up response in emergencies,” he said. In a bid to access a pool of skilled personnel, the government is in the process of developing a comprehensive policy framework to prioritise the training of National Youth Service (NYS) members.
“Upon graduation, there is no established framework for the absorption, transition, placement and/or employment of the highly trained and disciplined members of the NYS in either the private or public sector,” he remarked. “We are now developing a policy framework that, once adopted, will prioritise NYS training as a key consideration for employment by private security companies.”
Further, Mahamed unveiled the government’s commitment to providing professional training for Private Security Officers (PSOs) to equip them to deal with evolving security challenges.
“Under this arrangement, Grade ‘A’ PSOs will be rated as the most qualified and will be given the most critical assignments. Grade ‘B’ officers will be assigned to unarmed cash-in-transit escort duties. Finally, Grade ‘C’ officers will be assigned to guard homes and compounds of private individuals requiring security services,” he said.
