Kenyans support proposal to allow security guards arrest suspects

Private security guards armed with bows and arrows guard Akai plaza, Ruaraka, during the Saba Saba Day commemoration in Nairobi on July 07, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Homa Bay County residents have expressed optimism that a draft security regulation that allows private security officers to arrest crime suspects will improve security in the country.  

The Draft Private Security Regulations have been developed by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

The regulations recommend allowing private security officers to arrest suspects of crime and hand them over to the police.

“A private security service provider may arrest a person suspected to have committed a crime and shall, without unnecessary delay, hand over the person to a police officer or, in the absence of a police officer, shall take the person to the nearest police station,” the draft reads.

The draft also allows security guards to withhold the identification of documents if a situation requires so.

PSRA Director General Philip Okello says Kenyans are invited to review and submit their memoranda to the PSRA by November 28.

Citizens also have the opportunity to take part in public participation sessions in towns in all eight regions in Kenya on Friday this week and Monday next week. The towns include Garrisa, Machakos, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Kakamega, and Nairobi.

Selly Manyala, the chairperson of the Civil Society Organisations Network in Ndhiwa Sub-county, said the draft will support the work done by the police in restoring law and order.

“Since police cannot be everywhere, allowing security guards to arrest suspects will enhance security,” Manyala said.

Leo Ambogo, the Operations Manager of Delon Hampton Associates (DHA), said ensuring that the people recruited as security guards are trained will enable them to perform their duties professionally.

“The guards should be trained well to ensure they know the relevant laws that enable them to execute their duties effectively. They should not just pick people,” Ambogo said.