The Private Security Regulatory Authority has ordered security firms to comply with the set minimum wage and pay its guards not less than KSh 30,000.
In a statement issued by the Authority, failure to take heed of the orders by 17th June will lead to the deregistering of disobedient firms. The Authority is also conducting an operation to flush out unregistered security companies and unqualified security guards across the country.According to the Authority’s CEO, Fazul Mahamed, individuals or entities that employ unregistered guards will be penalized by fines amounting to KSh 500,000 or get convicted. “In furtherance of its mandate to ensure compliance with minimum wage regulations, the Authority shall proceed without further reference or reminder to exercise its power under Section 32 of the Private Security Regulations Act of 2016,” the statement mentioned.
In February this year, the Private Security Regulatory Authority revoked licenses of nine security firms who had not adhered to prior directives. However, the decision was reversed by Interior Affairs Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki amidst bitter protestations from officials of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA).
Why it MattersA compelling argument against the minimum wage has been that it’ll drastically increase the cost of private security, which currently employs tens of thousands of people. The result would be loss of business, as many current customers would have to make do without private security, which would have the net effect of causing job and economic losses.
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