The Private Security Guards Union (PSGU) has called on the government to intervene and ensure compliance with the Ksh30,000 minimum wage for security guards.
Addressing the press on Thursday, December 26, the union representatives led by Secretary General Isaac Andabwa, urged President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to act on non-compliant firms.
Andabwa revealed that most security guards across the country were suffering at the hands of private security firms which they accused of collecting millions of shillings from clients but paying them little.
According to the secretary general, several private security companies had declined to comply with the Minimum Wage Act despite several notices for adherence.
A picture of guards at awaiting inspection during the launch of mass registration at Uhuru Park, March 30.
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PSRA
“The private security officers have families, they have basic needs, the situation of private security in the absence of minimum wage is worse,” noted Andabwa.
While expressing the union’s frustration, Andabwa faulted the Head of State for contradicting his Bottom-Up Agenda which was meant to elevate poor Kenyans.
The union boss further questioned why President Ruto’s administration was quick to approve the regulation on minimum wage but failed to implement it
“We want to appeal to President William Ruto, and in particular the newly appointed CS for Interior, kindly listen to the private security officers who have suffered for decades,” Andabwa urged.
“Why should we have laws that do not protect the intended class, why should we have a regulator yet people are still suffering? What is the purpose for which we fought for the regulation,” he added.
In June this year, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the government body responsible for overseeing private security firms, announced its intention to shut down non-compliant entities.
In a statement, PSRA declared that companies failing to submit a duly signed and commissioned commitment to pay security officers a minimum wage of Ksh30,000 would face closure.
“Our Compliance Department is currently working around the clock to review the compliance status of the private security companies with the set minimum wage directive for over 1.3 million Private Security Officers,” read part of a statement by PSRA.
“They deserve to be treated with honour, fairness and respect for their critical role in maintaining our safety and protecting lives and properties.”
Private security guards with security dogs during the 2019 Labour Day celebrations
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SGA Security