Private Security Sector Urged to Embrace Technology for a Safer Future

-
(PSIA Chairman Cosmas Mutava)

The Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) has called on private security players to adopt cutting-edge technologies and embrace innovation as the industry continues to evolve rapidly.

PSIA Chairman Cosmas Mutava remains optimistic about the industry's future despite the challenges faced in 2024. He predicts a transformative 2025, emphasizing the need for collaboration across stakeholders, including security professionals, industry associations, and communities.

“As we move into 2025, the private security industry is uniquely positioned to address some of society’s most pressing safety concerns. But success will require collaboration at all levels,” Mutava remarked.

Highlighting the transformative role of technology, he noted that advancements like artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and integrated access control solutions have become indispensable in enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

“This year, technology will once again define how we approach security. These tools enable us to provide smarter, faster, and more effective solutions for our clients,” Mutava explained.

Despite the growing reliance on technology, Mutava underscored the indispensable role of private security officers as the industry’s backbone. He emphasized their critical responsibilities, from responding to emergencies to building trust with clients and communities.

However, he lamented the lack of full professionalization in the sector. “In 2024, private security officers proved essential, often bridging the gap between safety and crisis. Yet, there remains an urgent need for greater investment in training, certification, and career development,” he said.

Mutava called for higher industry standards, better wages, and clear career paths to attract and retain top talent. He envisions 2025 as a pivotal year for professionalizing the sector and enhancing the recognition of private security personnel.

He stressed the synergy between technology and human expertise, noting that technology can never replace the critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability of security officers. “The future lies in integrating technological solutions with human expertise for a cohesive approach to safety,” he observed.

Addressing Key Challenges

Mutava attributed the growth of private security services in Kenya to rising crime rates, fueled by spiraling unemployment. While commending the government’s affordable housing program for employing many youths, he urged further investment in agri-manufacturing to create more opportunities.

He also highlighted the urgent need for a functional regulatory framework for the private security sector. Since the enactment of the Private Security Regulation Act in 2015, regulations have yet to be implemented. Mutava petitioned the government to expedite the operationalization of the Act.

“A robust regulatory framework will ensure proper licensing, vetting, and training of security personnel while addressing persistent issues like low wages,” Mutava stated.

As the private security sector prepares for a transformative year, industry players are urged to adapt to the changing landscape by embracing technology, enhancing professional standards, and fostering collaboration to safeguard communities effectively.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PSRA Ordered To Reinstate Licences of Nine Private Security Firms

-
Image
It is a major setback for the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) after the Ministry of Interior and National Administration’s Ad Hoc Appeals Committee ordered the regulator to immediately reinstate the licences of nine private security firm’s. PSRA had revoked licences of the nine private securities companies for allegedly failing to comply with minimum wage requirements among other breaches. At the same time, the Appeals Committee quashed Legal Notice NO. PSRA/001/2024 issued by the regulator. “The appeals by the nine (9) companies be and hereby allowed,” reads the order, further barring the 9 firms from filing any law suits for damages in respect to the suspension of the licences by PSRA. Similarly, the Appeals Committee also directed all parties to withdraw any case pending in court regarding the matter. The nine firms are Senaca East Africa Limited, Superb Marketing Solutions Limited, Salama Fikira International (Kenya) Limited, Hipora Security Solutions Limit...
Read more

Why Ruto, PS Raymond Omollo Snubbed Private Guards Uhuru Park Meeting

-
Image
It is now emerging that President William Ruto and the Principal Secretary (PS) Ministry of Interior and National Administration National Government, Dr. Raymond Omollo snubbed the private security guards’ Uhuru Parking meeting on Saturday, March 30, due to legal and integrity issues surrounding the controversial event. Despite the organisers touting that the President and PS Omollo would grace the occasion the duo snubbed the private security guards’ Uhuru Park meeting, which had been convened ostensibly for mass registration and issuance of guard force numbers to private guards. However, insiders opined that the meeting was meant to hype the guards to push for the Private Security Regulatory Authority’s (PSRA) unilateral recommendation of a minimum salary of KSh30,000. President Ruto and PS Omollo are said to have given the event a wide berth because it was in contempt of court. It is worth noting that PSRA’s recommendation of KSh30,000 as the minimum salary for guards ha...
Read more

Labour CS Bore’s Meeting To Halt Private Guards Uhuru Park Meeting Flops

-
Image
Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore’s effort to convene a consultative meeting to try and halt a mass gathering of private security guards to demand a minimum monthly salary of KSh30,000 slated for Nairobi on Saturday, March 30 has flopped due lack of attendance by invited stakeholders. In an invitation letter, CS Bore had scheduled the parley for Thursday, March 28, in her office. Those invited include The Executive Director/CEO Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) Jacqueline Mugo, The Secretary General Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Francis Atwoli, Chief Executive Officer/Director General Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) Fazul Mahamed and Chairman Private Security Regulatory Authority. Other invitees are General Secretary of Kenya National Private Security Workers Union Issac Andabwa, Managing Director SENACA Security Services Annette Kimitei, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Security Industry Association and Chairman Protective and Safety Associa...
Read more