NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 — Kenya is moving to tighten regulation of the private security industry, with new rules proposed to strengthen licensing, control the use of security equipment and operationalise a fund intended to provide greater protection within the sector.
The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has published Regulatory Impact Statements for three proposed regulations as it seeks to give full effect to the Private Security Regulation Act, Cap. 207.
The authority said the proposed rules are intended to establish a “comprehensive framework for the licensing of private security services providers” while setting standards for the use of security equipment to protect both private and public safety.
The proposals cover the Private Security (General) Regulations, Private Security (Procedure for the Appointment of Members of the Board) Regulations and Private Security (Fidelity Fund Operations) Regulations.
The move comes nearly a decade after the Private Security Regulation Act was enacted in 2016, providing the legal framework for regulating an industry that plays a significant role in protecting homes, businesses and institutions.
Under the proposed regulations, PSRA also wants to streamline how members of its board are appointed, saying the process should promote “transparency and efficiency” and strengthen governance and accountability within the authority.
Another major proposal is the operationalisation of the Private Security Fidelity Fund, established under Section 61 of the Act.
PSRA said the Regulatory Impact Statements were prepared to assess how the proposed regulations could affect “private security service providers, communities, users and prospective users of private security services.”
The authority has now opened the process for public participation, giving stakeholders and members of the public 14 days from the date of publication of the notice to submit their comments and memoranda.
The proposed regulations and Regulatory Impact Statements are available free of charge through the PSRA website.
The authority said comments can be submitted by email to [email protected] or delivered physically to its offices during official working hours.
The regulatory process is being undertaken pursuant to Section 8 of the Statutory Instruments Act, with PSRA acting under the direction and guidance of the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration and in consultation with stakeholders.
The proposals point to a broader effort to bring greater structure, accountability and standardisation to Kenya’s private security industry, particularly in areas affecting how firms operate and the equipment they use.
The consultation now gives security companies, guards, clients and members of the public an opportunity to influence the final regulations before they are adopted.
