Fazul Mahamed the Director General and CEO of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) on Monday, June 10 gave an ultimatum to all private security companies failing to pay security guards Ksh30,000 a month.
In a statement, Mahamed announced that all firms that will not have complied with the guidelines by June 17 will lose their registration certificates.
"The Authority has today issued a final notice to all private security firms regarding the enforcement of the Ksh30,000 minimum wage for private security officers," read part of the statement.
The CEO emphasised that this was the last notice to all private security firms which had failed to adhere to the new regulations on minimum wage.
All companies found violating the regulations after the deadline will not only have their certificates of registration canceled but they will be deregistered from the register of licensed private service providers.
"In furtherance of its mandate to ensure compliance with minimum wage regulations, the Authority shall proceed without further reference or reminder to exercise its power under Section 32 of the Private Security Regulations Act of 2016," read part of the statement.
Additionally, Mahamed revealed that several private firms had already complied with the Ksh30,000 monthly salary for security guards.
Mahamed announced the new minimum wage for private security guards in November 2023. The move has faced numerous challenges including court cases and opposition from the security companies.
The CEO explained that the minimum wage is meant to match the work carried out by the guards and also allow them to cater for their monthly needs, especially with the increased statutory deductions.
The increased wage had resulted in wrangles between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Labour CS Florence Bore. The former supported the idea while the latter opposed it.
DG Mahamed in the past few months has been encouraging all firms to implement the new regulations. He has also emphasised that all private security firms should ensure they hire only registered security guards who have Guard Force Numbers (GFN).
"As we align with the minimum wage guidelines outlined in the PSRA Circulars, we’re not just pursuing compliance with the set living wages standards - we’re setting them. The GFN empowers our private security officers with a distinct identity, fostering a culture of respect, professionalism and public confidence," Mahamed remarked on Friday.
