Nairobi: The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has announced the successful conclusion of a countrywide public participation exercise on the Private Security Regulations 2025, with industry stakeholders unanimously agreeing that it is time that they pass the regulations. The regulations comprising four key aspects including the general regulations, use of animals, procedure for appointment of board members, and the Fidelity Fund are set to usher in a new era of professionalism and order in the private security sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, Philip Leakey Okello, the PSRA CEO, emphasized during a media briefing that the authority’s goal is to bring order and sanity to the activities they oversee. He highlighted that the final draft regulations were not solely crafted by the Authority but were an industry-led initiative. This sentiment was corroborated by Michael Ogwanda, the moderator who oversaw the drafting process. Ogwanda confirmed that multiple security bodies, including the Kenya Security Industry Association (KSIA) and the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), participated in an intense two-day session, meticulously reviewing every aspect of the regulations.
For security officers on the ground, the new framework has been hailed as a chance to finally address long-standing grievances. Moses Otieno, representing the Kenya Private Security Association (KPSA), stated that his organization is committed to advocating for the well-being of officers, covering social welfare, protection, and other pressing matters. Otieno expressed optimism that with the new entity and PSRA involvement, significant transformations in the sector are achievable, although acknowledging that some officers still feel a lack of change.
The PSRA CEO also addressed specific industry complaints, particularly concerning annual license renewal fees and a mandatory levy. Okello refuted claims about exorbitant fees, clarifying that the actual amount is significantly lower. He defended the imposition of a one-percent levy, explaining it as necessary for covering administrative costs, similar to practices in other sectors like tourism and finance.
The public participation session also included critical inquiries from stakeholders, such as procedures for animal disposal, penalties for unregistered employment practices, and clarifications on the private security’s power of arrest. The regulations stipulate that security providers can only exercise arrest and search powers within premises they protect. Additionally, they allow the Inspector General of Police to request cooperation from private security firms in national security matters.
Focusing on welfare and protection, the regulations prohibit using animals trained to kill or those that are unfit. In a move towards inclusivity, proposals were made to amend board appointment procedures to allow individuals under 40 years old to serve. Samuel Timok, director of UNICEF Security, supported the regulations, noting they ensure only qualified firms are utilized.
The PSRA CEO also issued a safety directive to Airbnb owners and short-stay hotels, urging them to install functional CCTVs and maintain records of entrants and exiters to prevent crimes. The public’s views and comments will be considered before the draft is submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration for further processing in Parliament.
