The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has published stringent new regulations the government wants to be employed by security firms involved in cash-in-transit operations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the authority promised to curb incidents involving theft of money in transit, following a heist in November last year that saw a security firm's employees escape with over Ksh94 million.
“Remember the story of 94.9 Million heists involving firm employees? With the enactment of the 2024 regulations, incidents of such nature will be a thing of the past,” PSRA noted.
The updated regulations provide several measures for firms involved in cash in transit, ranging from higher ballistic protection, and satellite monitoring to training for the personnel handling the transportation process.
Ballistic Protection Level B5 for Cash-in-Transit Vehicles
Level B5 ballistic protection involves armour designated to handle assault rifles firing up to a standard of 5.56mm or 7.62mm rounds, such as the AK-47s.
A Sterile Loading and Unloading Facility
Such controlled environments where goods can be transferred from one area to another are often required to remain clean to maintain the quality and safety standards of goods, in this case, cash.
Real-Time Satellite Monitoring
Real-time satellites enable firms to pinpoint the exact location of their vehicles and assets and further send alerts for deviations or unauthorised stops.
Both Onsite and Offsite Opening of the Vault Via Central Monitoring Station
To prevent instances similar to the cash-in-transit heist experienced in November last year, firms are advised to employ a central monitoring station to reduce risks and limit exposure to potential security threats.
Comprehensive Insurance for All Cash and All Valuables in Transit
As part of risk management strategies, firms are required to get insurance to comply with regulations, manage risks, safeguard the business at large and protect assets, in case of loss.
Rigorous Training of Cash-in-Transit Personnel
Employees handling assets, money and valuable things require extensive training to ensure they offer enough security while in transit, and showcase professionalism and integrity while in operation.
In November last year, four employees from a financial institution were arrested after stealing Ksh94 million from a transit vehicle, which they had collected from a supermarket to deposit at a bank in Nairobi CBD, while on duty.
“Today’s arrest brings to eight the total number of suspects arrested so far in the daring robbery, following the arrest of four others a few days ago and the recovery of over Sh9 million in a jerrycan at a house in Roysambu,” police had confirmed at the time.
