PS Omollo calls for fair remuneration of security guards

By Peter Ochieng

Private security firms have been challenged to consider the welfare of security guards.

Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary (PS) in the ministry of interior and national administration says guards are an intergral part of the country's security system, but their remuneration is a major point of concern.

"Citizens, entities, businesses and even organizations in the country need to be human enough to safeguard private security guard welfare, particularly in terms of their remuneration and working conditions," said the PS.

"Fair compensation will not only demonstrate our collective respect for their dedication but also foster a motivated and committed security personnel."

The PS spoke on Friday at the Mamboleo Show ground in Kisumu, during the opening of Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) regional office.

Omollo said a lot of potential lies in the private security sector, given the fact that it employs close to 1 million people.

"The industry currently employs close to one million people and records an annual revenue of Sh100 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."

He added 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," added the PS.

The event was attended by among others, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir who urged the government to consider giving some security guards guns, to enable them effectively discharge their duties.