In a stern warning issued by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), security companies failing to commit to raising the minimum wages of their employees to Ksh30,000 within a week's time risk having their names published.
This declaration was made by PSRA CEO Fazul Mahamed during the commencement of the mass registration of private security guards and bouncers for the Guard Force Number (GFN) at Uhuru Park on Saturday, March 30.
“We will not recognise any CBA below Ksh30,000. Next week, I will be publishing the names of companies that have not committed to implementing the CBA,” stated Fazul.
The contentious raise of minimum salaries of the guards dominated the agenda at the meeting with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressing dissatisfaction with unfulfilled commitments to private security guards.
"Change is imperative. We cannot continue with business as usual. Commitments must be honored," declared Governor Sakaja, stressing the mandatory nature of minimum wage laws.
The gathering ostensibly aimed at the mass registration and issuance of guard force numbers to private guards, and to demand a minimum salary of KSh30,000, as recommended by the PSRA.
However, it's worth noting that the Ministry of Labour has declared the PSRA's recommendation illegal, with a court order preventing its implementation.
Among those present at the meeting were the National General Secretary of Kenya National Private Security Workers Union, Isaac Andabwa, United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Cleophas Malala, and representatives from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K).
In his remarks, Malala urged security group leaders to advocate for the implementation of agreements reached during the meeting.
"Our party will ensure the resolutions made here today are put into action," Malala asserted, stressing the importance of holding companies accountable for failing to adhere to the agreements.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore, on January 31, 2024, clarified that her ministry could not authenticate the proposed salary increase, emphasizing that the matter was sub judice.
She halted the salary increment push, insisting that security guards would be paid according to existing regulations until the court made a ruling.
In response to PSRA's ultimatum for companies to comply with the new minimum wage structure, CS Bore reaffirmed that it's the Ministry of Labour's responsibility to determine the minimum wage, not PSRA's.
She pointed out the legal framework guiding wage regulation, urging stakeholders to remain calm as the government addressed the issue.
