The government on Monday moved to rein in the increasing number of murder cases involving women in rental apartments, lodgings, and accommodation facilities reported recently by announcing seven guidelines the State hopes will stem the trend.
In a statement, Private Security Regulatory Authority Director General Fazul Mahamed revealed that all private security service providers, security guards, or security officers will be required to obtain the Identification Card of any visitor seeking to access such premises.
The guard shall also, record the time of entry and exit of the person before returning the identity guard.
Mahamed directed all the security providers to also maintain a current and accurate log of all vehicles that enter and depart the facilities.
These directives come at a time when the country is coming to terms with the death of two women in different rented apartments in two weeks.
"In response to the alarming increase in reported criminal activities including cases of murder in accommodation spaces, the Authority hereby issues the following directive aimed at addressing the emerging trends of insecurity to deter criminal activities within these premises and to further safeguard the safety of residents and guests," Mahamed stated.
Additionally, other measures taken by the government include directing all security providers to ensure that the CCTV cameras in the premises are functioning and in proper condition and the footage is up to date.
All security guards will also be required to keep an updated on access control policy and a copy should be displayed at the point of entry and exit at the guarded premises.
Mahamed further directed the security personnel to keep and maintain an occurrence book to record daily significant and notable events relating to the safety of the residents and their guests.
The DG clarified that the ID should be surrendered at the gate and returned at the gate to the guest. Security guards should not use the identification documents for other purposes and they should be kept in a safe place until given back to the owner.
He warned all those caught using the documents or details for other purposes.
"Any security service provider who violates this commits an offense and shall in addition to the cancellation of license, be liable on conviction to the penalty prescribed under the aforementioned Act or any other written law whichever is higher," he stated.
The regulations are among others called upon by the public and leaders to reduce the gruesome murders reported across the country.
Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour on Monday also announced plans to propose a bill in Parliament to regulate the sector.
