THE STANDARD
NATIONAL
Kenya National Private Security Workers Union s Joash Soita Andawa (left) and Mombasa Security Industry Association chairman James Matheka during training for the private security guards at Tudor in Mombasa County on Thursday, May 20, 2021. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]
The quest for private security guards to be armed with guns went a notch higher today after the vetting of 2,000 registered firms kicked off.
Kenya Private Security Regulative Authority (KPSRA) Administrator Joash Soita said only 10 per cent of firms had met the minimum threshold set by the government.
Some of the rules set by the Ministry of Interior being looked at include whether the firms have complied with standardised training, better remunerations and ensuring the guards have health cover.
“We call on the Ministry of Labour to intervene and have our members back to work. They were sent home without any compensation and now some of them are unable to survive,” said Andabwa.
He said the guards living in town are hardest hit since they can no longer afford basic needs especially food and shelter.
“Some have been kicked out of their houses for accrued rent arrears,” said the KNPSWU boss.
All unions affiliated to Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) are currently conducting elections for new office bearers as per labour requirements.
The union’s officials from the 13 branches across the country met in Nairobi ahead of the national delegates conference slated for next month and unanimously agreed Andabwa including his entire team should continue serving.