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State targets 30,000 security guards in free mass registration at Uhuru Park

Private Security Regulatory Authority Director General Fazul Mahamed at a past event. (Photo: PSRA)

By Mary Wambui | Thursday, March 14, 2024

This exercise aims to register at least 30,000 guards, who will subsequently be issued guard force numbers, as mandated by law.

As part of the ongoing efforts to regulate the private security industry, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has initiated a free mass registration exercise for security guards. The registration is scheduled to commence in Nairobi at the Uhuru Park grounds on March 30.

This exercise aims to register at least 30,000 guards, who will subsequently be issued guard force numbers, as mandated by law.

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The Guard Force Number (GFN) serves as the sole evidence that a private security officer (security guard) has undergone proper registration and licensing by the authority, in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

According to the Private Security Act number 13 of 2016, it is a legal requirement that individuals refrain from engaging in the provision of private security services or offering security services in the country without undergoing the necessary vetting and registration by PSRA.

Moreover, the Act stipulates that security guards or individuals offering security services must receive training from a registered institution before being registered and issued with the GFN, thereby aiming to standardize and professionalize the sector.

In a memorandum addressed to private security firms nationwide, the regulator emphasized that all participating security guards must present themselves at the venue in their respective uniforms.

The memo further stated, "You are hereby required to facilitate the attendance of your private security officers at the mass registration forum. The forum is free of charge, however, for logistical purposes, you are requested to confirm the attendance of your private security officers via our email; communications@psra.go.ke."

For decades, the role of a private security officer has been undervalued and often referred to as "watchman," equating to an individual with limited formal education and skills to handle intricate crimes.

However, the evolving nature of modern-day crime has underscored the need for these officers to be adequately trained to play a crucial role in crime detection and prevention, thereby contributing significantly to national security.

To address the disparity in training and ensure equitable compensation for security personnel, the government passed the Private Security Act last year. The Act aims to have all security officers trained, registered, and issued with guard force numbers.

With an estimated 1.2 million individuals currently employed in the industry, the private security sector has experienced significant growth due to the rising demand for security services in the country.

Moreover, as first responders in incidents such as terror attacks, it is imperative for security guards to undergo continuous training to effectively handle complex situations. This includes operating state-of-the-art intruder alarm systems, satellite tracking systems, baggage scanners, and surveillance cameras, which are indispensable tools in ensuring public safety.