Private security firms risk closure over minimum wage commitment
By Dennis Onyancha, June 19, 2024Security companies which are not compliant with the minimum wage directive now risk deregistration as security service providers, the Private Security Regulatory Authority(PSRA) has said.
The move by the regulatory authority comes barely a day after it announced an amendment bill that proposes the arming of private security guards assigned to high-risk areas.
“Any private security company that has failed to submit a duly signed and commissioned Legal Commitment to pay the Government set minimum wage of Ksh30,000 for Private Security Officers (security guards) by the close of business on June 18, 2024, will face immediate cancellation of their Certificate of Registration and subsequent deregistration from the register of licensed private security service providers,” the statement read in part.
Wage tussle
The Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) has threatened to down their tools if the government fails to honour the demand.
The implementation of the minimum wage bill of Ksh30,000 for over 1.3 million security guards has become an issue of contention between the PSRA and private security firms who have previously sought court orders to block the directive.
PSRA boss Fazul Mahamed (centre) has demanded an immediate increase in security guards’ wages. PHOTO/@PSRAuthority/X
The Employment and Labour Relations Court of Kenya on February 14, 2024, dismissed a petition presented by private security companies seeking to block PSRA’s decision to deregister companies that failed to meet the new minimum wages for guards across the country.
PSRA has termed the wage increase as necessary to uplift the welfare and dignity of security guards.
“It represents dignity, honor, respect, and fair compensation for the immense dangers and harsh conditions they face in the course of their work. They deserve to be treated with honour, fairness, and respect for their critical role in maintaining our safety and protecting lives and properties,” PSRA added.
The minimum pay for daytime security officers stands at about Ksh15,200 and Ksh16,959 for night-time security officers.
The regulatory body will compile and publish a list of compliant and non-compliant companies at a later date.
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