All security firms will need two new documents while applying for tenders, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) announced on Tuesday.
In a statement, the authority's CEO Fazul Mahamed noted that all private security companies must now submit a certificate of registration as a corporate private security service provider and Guard Force Numbers (GFN) issued to its personnel by the authority.
Mahamed noted that this new directive takes effect immediately and urged all firms to comply. This directive was issued after the Kenya Railways Corporation announced open tenders, seeking private security services.
The CEO warned that firms found violating this directive risk both a fine and imprisonment for its directors.
"The Guard Force Number (GFN) is the only proof that an individual security guard has been duly registered and licensed by the authority," Mahamed stated.
Mahamed made this announcement after the Kenya Railways Corporation announced plans to procure private security services. Kenya Railways had announced a tender for the provision of security guarding services along the Metre-Gauge Railway line (MGR), Railway Training Institute (RTI) campus and its headquarters.
The CEO noted that the corporation had not listed legal and regulatory compliance certifications as prescribed by the law.
According to Sections 21 and 28 of the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016, no person is allowed to provide private security services or offer private security services in Kenya at a fee unless they are security vetted and registered by the PSRA.
Mahamed therefore advised the corporation only to seek services from security firms which meet the requirements and produce the two documents.
He asked the corporation to visit PSRA's official website psra.go.ke to access a list of over 700 private security companies which have been vetted, registered and licensed as required by the law.
Over two months, the authority has introduced new measures to streamline the sector and protect the rights of the security guards.
In January, PSRA directed all private security firms to pay their employees the minimum wage of Ksh30,000 monthly. Weeks after issuing this directive, Mahamed deregistered the licenses of nine companies.
Additionally, the authority introduced GFNs to identify registered security guards.
Similarly, PSRA in February announced mandatory inspection at entertainment joints to ensure bouncers and security guards at these establishments are duly registered.
