Private Security Sector in Turmoil as Firms Call for Urgent Talks Over KSh30,000 Minimum Wage

By John Kariuki

Kenya’s private security industry is staring at a potential crisis following the Employment and Labour Relations Court’s decision to uphold the government’s directive mandating a KSh30,000 minimum wage for security guards. The ruling has sent shockwaves through the sector, with industry stakeholders warning that the financial burden could cripple security firms and lead to widespread job losses.

The Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), through its Chairman, Mr. Cosmas Mutava, has sounded the alarm, urging all stakeholders—including security firms, the government, and labor representatives—to convene urgently and negotiate a practical solution.

“The economic realities on the ground simply cannot sustain a blanket KSh30,000 minimum wage for all security personnel. We must find a solution that protects both businesses and workers,” Mutava stated.

His appeal comes after the court, on Monday, struck out a petition filed in November 2023 by private security company owners who sought to challenge the wage directive. The case was dismissed after the petitioner failed to pursue it, effectively clearing the way for the wage implementation.

In his ruling, Justice Mathews Nduma noted that the petition lacked merit, terming it an abuse of the judicial process due to the petitioner’s apparent disinterest in prosecuting the matter.

“The petitioner having abandoned the suit, the same stood to be closed for lack of interest to prosecute by the dominus litis being the petitioner,” Justice Nduma ruled.

He further emphasized that the case had been overtaken by events, making any further legal proceedings unnecessary.

With the ruling now settled, security firms face a difficult path forward. The PSIA has reiterated that while fair wages for security officers are essential, enforcing the directive without a structured implementation plan could push many companies out of business.

The government now faces mounting pressure to reconsider the directive, potentially adopting a phased approach or introducing measures to ease the financial burden on security firms.

As uncertainty looms, the industry is left wondering: will reason prevail in the negotiations, or is the private security sector on the brink of a major shake-up?

March 01, 2025