Guards’ union asks Government to fast track security Bill

By CYRUS OMBATI

Private guards have demanded the fast tracking of a Bill that seeks to regulate their operations and enhance reforms.

And following their demands, the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) has summoned a retreat to discuss the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill 2010.

CIC chairman Charles Nyachae wants the meeting to be held between June 6 and 7, at the Sawela Lodge Hotel in Naivasha. In a letter dated April 11 addressed to various stakeholders in the industry, Nyachae asked them to attend the retreat and give their views on the Bill.

“The purpose of this letter is to kindly request you to nominate technical experts to attend and participate in the retreat,” said Nyachae in the letter. Guards want the Bill to be given priority to ensure the industry is regularised.

“We have had other security related Bills passed by the House but this of the guards is still lying at the parliamentary committee on National Security which is a big concern to us,” said guards’ union secretary general Isaac Andabwa.

Other security related Bills that have so far been implemented in the security sector include the National Police Service, National Police Service Commission, Independent Policing Oversight Authority and The National Coroners Service Bill 2010 and 2011, which, however, is also yet to be passed.

Yesterday, Andabwa said failure to implement the guards’ Bill was impeding reforms that would make the sector professional. He argued the proposed law would ensure better pay for guards and take care of other issues affecting them.

The officials accused some top Government officials who own private security firms of frustrating implementation of the laws. The Bill requires that all firms in operation be registered, guards be trained properly and also paid better salaries. It will also give guidelines on how guards can be vetted and issued with guns.