The government of Kenya has begun a compulsory countrywide vetting, training and licensing of all private security personnel including bouncers and bodyguards. 

Private Security Regulatory Authority CEO Fazul Mahamed noted in a notice on January 8, 2024 that no person shall be allowed to engage in the provision of private security services unless they have been vetted, registered and licensed.

“In view of the foregoing, the Government has commenced the mandatory nationwide security vetting, training and licensing of all bouncers, body guards, event stewards, door supervisors, event security, VIP protection, close protection, and crowd control security personnel,” Mohamed noted.

“In this regard, the Authority has organized a sensitization forum at the Sarova Stanley Hotel on Wednesday, 17th January 2024 at 8:30 A.M.

“The forum is free of charge, however for ease of planning you are required to confirm your attendance through our email,” he added.

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Mohamed released the notice after an incident where journalists and NACADA officials were assaulted during a raid at Kettle House Bar and Grill in Nairobi.

This was during a crackdown on shisha smoking in Nairobi by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) at entertainment places.

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According to the police report, bouncers used force to prevent journalists and NACADA officials from accessing the entertainment joint. 

Meanwhile, some 21 suspects were arrested in connection to the incident as police continue with investigations.