By John Kariuki
In a major stride towards professionalizing the private security industry, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Alfred Mutua, on Tuesday convened a landmark meeting with leaders from key private security associations to address pressing challenges facing the sector and push forward sweeping reforms.
The high-level consultative session, attended by representatives from the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) and the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya (PROSAK), featured PSIA Chairman Cosmas Mutava and PROSAK Chairman Enock Makanga, among other industry leaders.
Dr. Mutua emphasized the pivotal role played by the private security sector in safeguarding Kenya’s economic and social infrastructure. He noted that the meeting was productive and impactful, focusing on enhancing protective security services and improving labour modalities within the sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering an environment that promotes fairness, professionalism, and dignity for all security personnel.
A key outcome of the meeting was the commitment to fast-track the establishment of the Security Wage Council. This Council will oversee the formulation and enforcement of the new Regulation of Wages (Protective Security Services) Order 2025, a comprehensive legislative framework under the Labour Institutions Act. The proposed Order aims to streamline wage structures, standardize employment terms, and enhance job security for private security officers.
The proposed benefits include minimum wage brackets ranging from Ksh. 10,000 for entry-level guards to Ksh. 30,000 for senior officers, guaranteed housing allowances of 15% of the basic wage, overtime compensation, and annual leave. Also included are provisions for sick leave, maternity leave, compassionate leave, uniform allowances, and structured professional development.
The associations presented a harmonized training curriculum designed to enhance professionalism in the sector. The curriculum covers physical fitness, crowd control, occupational health, counterterrorism basics, public relations, and investigative skills. It is organized in progressive levels aligned with roles in diverse environments such as homes, malls, hospitals, and government institutions.
Mr. Cosmas Mutava described the engagement as a progressive step that will uplift workers and create a more organized, reliable, and respected industry. PROSAK Chairman Enock Makanga emphasized that sustainable security requires not just tools but training and dignity for the officers on the ground.
The initiative also outlines clear compensation structures that address long-standing concerns such as inadequate overtime pay, lack of proper uniforms, and absence of social protection. Dr. Mutua reiterated the government’s resolve to address these issues to enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and ensure sustainable business practices.
He concluded by affirming that the proposals and insights presented during the meeting will form the backbone of upcoming policy reforms. These will be tabled before relevant government institutions, including Parliament. With renewed collaboration between government and stakeholders, Kenya’s private security sector stands on the cusp of a transformative era that recognizes and empowers security personnel as dignified professionals essential to national development.
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