Private Security Players Slam PSRA Over Minimum Wage Announcement

 

By John Kariuki

Players in the private security sector have strongly criticized the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) for what they describe as overstepping its mandate. The backlash comes after the regulator announced that the minimum wage for private security guards would be set at Ksh 30,000.

Speaking on behalf of industry stakeholders, the Chairman of the Private Security Industry Association, Cosmas Mutava, questioned under whose authority the PSRA had made the pronouncement, asserting that wage regulations fall exclusively under the Ministry of Labour.

"Matters concerning basic pay are squarely within the purview, mandate, and sole confidentiality of the Ministry of Labour," Mutava stated. "Just like the Ministry of Education or the Teachers Service Commission cannot unilaterally increase teachers' salaries, nor can the Ministry of Public Works dictate engineers' wages, the PSRA has no legal standing to impose a minimum wage on security firms."

Mutava warned the regulator against making what he termed as unilateral, misplaced, and misguided pronouncements, urging it to stick to its core mandate.

Beyond questioning the PSRA’s authority, Mutava also raised concerns about the broader wage structure in the private security sector, emphasizing the need for a clear and structured approach. He called for the establishment of a Wages Council, which would be tasked with harmonizing the salaries of private security officers to ensure fairness and sustainability.

A Wages Council, he explained, is a specialized body responsible for investigating and recommending minimum wage levels and employment conditions in a particular sector. It would assess the prevailing conditions in the private security industry, gather input from various stakeholders, and make informed recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary on fair remuneration.

According to Mutava, the current wage structure in the security sector lacks uniformity, with significant disparities in pay depending on the employer, region, and job description. He argued that private security officers should not be treated as a monolithic workforce but should instead be categorized based on their qualifications, experience, and the nature of their assignments. Those handling high-risk assignments, for example, should earn more than those in less demanding roles. Similarly, security personnel with advanced training or educational credentials should receive higher compensation than entry-level guards.

Mutava stressed that establishing a Wages Council would not only protect security officers from exploitation but also contribute to a more stable and professionalized industry. He noted that when security personnel receive fair wages, they are more motivated, perform their duties diligently, and contribute to improved safety standards across the country.

The Ministry of Labour has yet to comment on the matter, but industry stakeholders are now looking to the government to intervene and clarify the role of the PSRA in wage determination while also addressing the need for a structured and equitable wage framework for private security officers.

March 06, 2025