Private Security Companies raise concern over gov’t planned Private Security ID

A notice issued by PSRA Director General Fazul Mahamed required all employees in the private security sector, including guards, bouncers, consultants, close protection officers, and others, to attend training at institutions licensed to obtain the  security ID called GFN. 

There are between 1.2 million to 2 million employees in this sector, and the training costs between Ksh.10,000 to Ksh.12,000.

According to Private  Security Companies, questions abound on the high cost of acquiring the ID.

“There are concerns that a government institution is charging for such services, with the money being paid to a private security company. It is also worrying that guards are expected to pay for personal numbers, while NSSF and NHIF Numbers are never charged,” said the Private  Security Companies in a statement.

 “So far, PSRA has not only  forced security bouncers from hospitality clubs, lounges and Security Bouncers Association to get training from the same  schools but has also reached out to Universities.”

The security companies claim that even highly trained security directors and general managers are being forced to get training from these schools located in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi. 

“We are reading Mischief because Fazul Mahamed is the only CEO or Director running a whole Government Institution without a fully constituted PSRA Board. He also continues to make serious National Private Security Industry decisions without any Industry Stakeholders Consultation and engagement,” they added.