Ministry of Labour cabinet secretary (CS) Florence Bore has released a statement clarifying the issue of increasing the amount proposed as minimum salary for security guards in the country. 

This was after reports featured in both print and electronic media, suggesting that minimum gross pay for security guards is Ksh30,000.

According to the reports, each guard was supposed to be paid a minimum basic pay of Ksh18,993, house allowance of Ksh2,850 and an overtime allowance of Ksh8,157. 

In addition, it was alleged that any employer who fails to adhere to the new salary directive will be fined Ksh2 million or be imprisoned.

The reported pay raise is stated to have been published by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PRSA).

In a statement on Thursday February 1, 2024, the Labour CS noted that the matter is currently active at the Employment and Labour Relations court in Nairobi.

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“This matter is currently active before the Employment and Labour Relations Court at Nairobi under Judicial Review Application No. E043 of 2023. 

“The Private Security Regulatory Authority and Fazul Mohammed are the 1st and 2nd Respondents respectively. The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is enjoined in the suit as an Interested Party,” read part of the statement from the Labour CS.

CS Bore stated that her Ministry cannot authenticate the stated publications, adding that it is the Ministry of Interior and National Administration or PRSA that can offer explanations about the suggested minimum salaries for security guards.

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“We are confident the Court will render a just and fair verdict, in accordance with our Constitution and the law.

“It is therefore my appeal to both employers and workers to remain calm and patient, pending hearing and determination of the case,” the CS noted.

According to the Labour CS, the current applicable minimum wage for workers in Kenya, including security guards under reference, is as set out in Legal Notice No. 125 of 2022 which came into force with effect from 1st May 2022. 

For instance, the legal minimum salary payable to any person employed in Kenya is Ksh15,120 per month. 

However, she emphasized that the government is cognizant of the fact that the private security sector is a major employer of many Kenyans in both formal and informal sector. 

There are about 2,500 registered security firms in Kenya.