Security guards ask the government for protective gear

Protective and Safety Association of Kenya Chairman Cosmas Mutava (centre) interacts with Secretary-General, Delano Kiilu (right) and Treasurer Peter Maina. [David Njaaga/Standard]

Private security guards have asked the government for protective equipment, citing high exposure to risk due to being at the front-lines of the response.

At a press briefing held in Nairobi yesterday, the leaders of various security associations, including the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) and the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya (PROSAK), said the security guards are often the first point of contact in most buildings as they screen visitors.

This, they said, predisposes them to a greater risk of contracting coronavirus. “We are aware that many of our security officers lack this equipment, and it could be a threat to the industry,” said Enoch Makanga, the chair of PROSAK. The leaders urged the government to include security officers among the prioritised groups during the distribution of personal protective gear.

“We request the government to make available to the front-line private security workforce basic healthcare training and for purchase through Kemsa locations across the country N95 masks, gloves, temperature censors and, where necessary, hazmat suits,” said Cosmas Mutava, chairperson of PSIA. They said they were taking their role seriously, despite the danger.