Private security firms raise concern over planned gov't IDs

Private Security Companies and their associations have expressed concerns about the issuance of Guard Force Number (GFN) by Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), which could potentially lead to what they term as a multi-billion shilling scandal.

GFN, the Security Identification Card is becoming a mandatory requirement and all guards will be required to fork out thousands of shillings to obtain it from PSRA.

In a notice published by PSRA, All employees in the private security sector, including guards, bouncers, consultants, close protection officers, and others, are required to attend paid up training at institutions licensed by PSRA before they obtain the new security ID’s.

The companies are however worried that guards are expected to pay for personal numbers, while NSSF and NHIF Numbers are never charged.

They are also wary of a government institution charging for such services, with the money being paid to a private security company.

“With between 1.2 million to 2 million employees in this sector, and the training costs between Kes 10,000 to Kes 12,000 Kes, it leaves a lot of unanswered questions regarding the high cost of this government ID, which could potentially cost all security workers more than Kes 12 billion. Additionally, it is unclear who the beneficial owners of the training institutions are,” a statement from the companies says.

So far, PSRA has not only forced security bouncers from hospitality clubs, lounges and Security Bouncers Association to get training from the same schools but has also reached out to Universities.

The stakeholders are concerned that even highly trained security directors and general managers are being forced to get training from these schools located in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi.

“We are reading Mischief because Fazul Mohammed is the only CEO or Director running a whole Government Institution without a fully constituted PSRA Board. He also continues to make serious National Private Security Industry decisions without any Industry Stakeholders Consultation and engagement. It is equally worrying that neither the PS nor CS has spoken out against these unprofessional and unethical practices, and there have been reports of threats against anyone who dares to speak out as well as claims that he has full backing from the President and Chief of Staff.”