Private guards to have unique identification numbers

Private security guards will be required to display a unique identification number as part of new strategies to address challenges in the sector.

The number will be displayed alongside the badge of the employer, just like is the case for the police.

The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) will today roll out a new training guide for the more than 500,000 members of the private security sector.

It will take each of the serving guards five days to cover the curriculum while new ones will take two months.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i will preside over the launch at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi.

Invitations have been sent to CEOs of State corporations and heads of private security service providers. Off-duty guards have been urged to attend the launch, same as heads of security and security managers at State firms.

Mandatory training

The curriculum is part of the requirements of the Private Security Regulations Act of 2016, which requires every private security provider to undergo annual mandatory training accredited by PSRA.

“Guards are the first line of defence in any form of crime and there is need for them to be well trained and equipped to handle any form of threat,” said PSRA CEO Fazul Mohamed.

The guards will be trained on the security industry, legal and regulatory framework in the industry, labour laws, risks threats and hazards, basic security procedures, security equipment and animals, kitting and turnout, report writing, counter terrorism, health and safety, emergency preparedness, ethics and integrity and effective communication.

Fazul hinted that the guards will also be trained on how to protect scenes of crime for better investigations.