The decision by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to propose a Ksh30,000 minimum wage for guards has earned praise in the United Kingdom.
Graeme Dyson, who is Head of Physical Security in the UK, stated that the country should borrow a leaf from PSRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fazul Mahamed who is streamlining the sector.
He explained that it was encouraging to see the UK’s Security Industry Authority (SIA) explore the concept of business licencing in the security industry.
Dyson though regretted that there was little that was being done in the United Kingdom to improve the welfare of security guards.
“The UK is falling behind many countries in the standards of our industry - if you have any doubts, look at the great work by Fazul Mahamed in Kenya, implementing compulsory licences for a range of security roles and companies and a guaranteed minimum wage for security officers,” he explained.
Dyson regretted that in the United Kingdom, there was no licensing of security companies ranging between 9,000 and 12,000 in number.
“As responsible, professionals in the security industry we should be supporting business licensing as a minimum entry requirement to ensure there is a baseline standard and a starting point for even, ethical competition, removing some of the abuses seen of the workforce for a financial edge,” he lamented while asking the UK to adopt Kenya’s model.
Apart from agitating for competitive wages, PSRA is also developing policies to ensure that security guards are treated with dignity by their employers.
Speaking moments after the recognition, Mahamed stated that it was an honour to see PSRA being used globally as a trendsetter for setting high standards and fostering professionalism within the Private Security Industry.
“The admiration from the UK, South Africa and other countries is a testament to the progress made by Kenya in enhancing the reputation and operational standards of the private security sector,” he explained.
Following the recognition, Mahamed remarked that PSRA would continue seeking avenues to maintain order, dignity and honour in the private security industry.
“The PSRA’s efforts contribute significantly to the overall perception and effectiveness of private security professionals, not just in Kenya, but as a benchmark for best practices worldwide,” he added.
