No more handpicking of security guards

The national government has designed a standardized training program for private security companies as part of the reform agenda in the industry.

During the opening of Miale Security Training Institute and the launch of the curriculum in Uasin Gishu County, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo outlined that security challenges in the country are dynamic.

Therefore, there is a need for private security firms to adapt to the changing times so as to continue serving the industry more effectively.

“The challenges around security in the country have grown in number therefore there are elaborate programs that the government is undertaking one of them being the program that we are launching today to ensure that the security officers are ready to deal with the rising issues”, said Omollo

Omollo who presided over the event said Kenya continues to face many security threats ranging from terrorism to banditry and that required a multifaceted approach from all security agencies.

“Security jobs should be looked upon like any other career job since these security officers are found in every entry point of most organizations and residential areas which makes them our first line of defence in security emergencies. We have to make sure they have the right skills and training,” added the PS.

Despite the PS acknowledging that private guards complement the work of the national police service, he was noncommittal on the idea of giving guns to private securities as he said there are many ways to make them efficient.

At the same time, the Interior PS appealed to private security firms to improve the welfare of their personnel through better remuneration which has been a major complaint among security guards.

“We must be able to bring dignity to these officers by ensuring that we equip them with the necessary skills and also by making sure that we remunerate them well to motivate them to work better,” he added.

As part of the police reforms, Omollo says the national government has budgeted for the modernization of police equipment and tools to help them deter crime and respond to emergencies efficiently.