G4S to fire 400 employees

By Peter Ochieng

Private security company, G4S Kenya has announced a major lay off plan that will affect up to 400 employees across the country.

In a notice of redundancy seen by Nairobi Review, the company said the move is as result of tough economic times.

The company in the notice dated November 4, 2024, notified the Ministry of Labour of its intention to declare approximately 400 positions redundant, citing ongoing economic challenges that have severely impacted its business operations.

It cited effects of reduced revenue and high operating costs, as key reasons behind the decision it terms as difficult.

"Due to the ongoing reduction in business trading occasioned by the effects of the harsh economic challenges that have occasioned to reduction in revenue and the high cost of running our business, we regret to advise the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the organisation’s intentions to declare several positions redundant.”

The redundancy exercise, the company said, will affect employees across various locations in Kenya, with employees in management and unionised categories being among those affected to be affected.

“This letter therefore serves as a notice of redundancy pursuant to the provision of the Employment Act, 2007 Section 40 (1). The notice takes effect from November 4, 2024,” added the letter. The layoff exercise is expected to take place gradually, between November 2024 and April 2025.

"G4S Kenya Limited remains fully committed to the Kenyan market. We have every intention of implementing solutions that will secure employment for our employees whilst sustaining positive business performance.”

“We wish to assure the Ministry that we shall adhere to all the minimum legal requirements stipulated for this kind of action,” added the security firm.

G4S is a leading global integrated security company, specialising in the provision of security products and solutions.

It has been in existence for over 100 years, operating in over 80 countries, with over 800 employees.