The government of Kenya has issued a warning to event organizers and entertainment venues regarding the use of bouncers and private security companies as the festive season approaches. 

In a statement dated December 16, 2024, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) urged event organizers to ensure that any private security companies and personnel they hire possess a valid five-year certificate of registration from the authority. 

“I direct all event organizers, promoters, planners, entertainment venues, and recreational and sporting establishments to comply with the law,” said Philip Okello, the acting CEO of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), in a statement on Monday.

This directive also applies to bouncers, event stewards, crowd control personnel, and other security staff hired, employed, or contracted to provide security services during events. 

Additionally, the security personnel must have event security preparedness certification from the PSRA. 

Okello emphasized that this certification is the “only proof” that an event, festival, concert, entertainment venue, or recreational establishment has undergone a security assessment and meets the required security and emergency preparedness standards.

“No person shall engage in providing private security services for a fee in Kenya unless they have been security-vetted, registered, and licensed by the PSRA in accordance with the law,” Okello stated, referring to the Private Security Regulation Act. 

He further warned that hiring or engaging unregistered security personnel is an offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

“Immediate and strict compliance with the law is essential to avoid individual and corporate criminal liability and sanctions for non-compliance,” he added.