Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) petitioned the Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) demanding better terms of service including an increase in their pay and health insurance cover.
Members of the union held protests in Nairobi CBD on Thursday, February 16, stating that there were security firms contracted to man government institutions like the NSSF.
They added that security guards stationed at the Supreme Court building worked under tough conditions noting that they did not get enough leave days.
moreover, the security officers pleaded with president William Ruto to address their concerns adding that some of them were not getting the minimum wage as required by the constitution.
“Those watchmen are not even paid the minimum wage and are not comoensated for working overtime. Additionally, despite guarding government offices, those security guards do not even get adequate leave days
“We want President William Ruto to know that we are hustlers too. We have responsibilities. We pay fees, rent, and transport to get to work,” union chairperson Bernard Injendi stated.
Moreover, Injendi claimed that the Private Security Regulatory Authority had failed to execute its mandate of addressing their concerns and protecting their interest.
“We elected him into the office in 2018 but has not since done anything to protect our interests. We want him to have a meeting with the Central Organisation of Trade Unions,” Injendi added.
Highlighting their plight, the security guards stated that they could not meet their basic needs including paying rent and fending for their families.
“There is no house in Nairobi where rent is paid below Ksh2,000 yet some security officers are paid Ksh1,500,” another protestor stated.
Earlier in January 2023, the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) chairman, Cosmas Mutava, lamented a move by the Authority, that gazetted 183 security firms prohibiting others from operating in the country.
"It will be considered an offense for a person to employ or otherwise engage the services of any unlicensed private security firm or unregistered security guard, " the Gazette notice read in part.
Cosmas stated that the move would render many security officers jobless.
