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FKE asks state to reinstate licences of 9 security firms suspended by PSRA

Jacqueline Mugo, the executive director and chief executive of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). (Photo: X/Jacqueline Mugo)

By Rading Biko | Tuesday, March 5, 2024

FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo terms the suspension of the licences unconstitutional and warned it could lead to job losses.

The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) has appealed to the government to reinstate the licences of nine security firms suspended by the Private Security Regulations Authority (PSRA).

In a Press statement seen by The Eastleigh Voice, FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo termed the suspension of the licences unconstitutional and warned it could lead to job losses.

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"The cancellation occurred without adherence to fair administrative processes enshrined in the constitution. There was no prior written notice, no opportunity for the companies to defend themselves, and no chance to address identified gaps," Mugo said.

"This hasty decision has resulted in substantial losses for the affected companies, impacting the livelihoods of countless youth, and causing disruptions for clients who rely on these services."

The FKE also urged the PSRA to suspend the guard numbers order pending comprehensive consultations with players in the security sector.

"It is crucial to determine whether the assigned numbers are a product of training and guard registration or if they stem from employment by a registered security firm or club. This clarity is vital for the industry's stability and the effective implementation of any related regulations."

The employer body also noted the urgent need for the activation of a wages council as the current payroll cost per guard raises significant concerns.

It said it has appealed to the Labour ministry to review the 1998 Labour Minister order governing wages and is awaiting guidance.

The FKE proposes a salary categorisation based on competence and qualification to ensure fair compensation for security officers.

"The federation remains committed to constructive engagement with relevant authorities to address these concerns and contribute to the development of a robust and fair regulatory framework for the private security sector," Mugo said.

She added that the federation is advocating for the gazetting of revised regulations after conducting public participation in all counties.

"We recognise the potential challenges and propose a categorisation of certain counties to streamline the process. Comprehensive public engagement ensures that the regulations reflect the needs and concerns of all stakeholders," she said.

Last year, PSRA Director-General Faizal Mahamed clarified that in addition to publishing the names of firms that fail to comply with the new policy, they would be subjected to a statutory review of their registration and licence status.

"The authority intends to soon publish a legal notice containing a list of security companies that have failed, declined, or otherwise neglected to submit their legal commitments to pay private security guards the government-set minimum wage of Sh30,000," he said.

The FKE also urged the PSRA to cease threatening security companies' clients based on contracting with unlicensed/unregistered service suppliers.

"The process for licensing and registration must be streamlined by the PSRA board before any enforcement actions are taken. We advocate for social dialogue in the sector," Mugo said.