PSIA Boss Calls for Better Recognition, Welfare for Private Security Officers

• Cosmas Mutava Calls for Better Recognition, Welfare, and Collaboration for Guards in Community-Led Security Efforts

Nairobi, June 8, 2025 – The chairman of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), Cosmas Mutava, has urged the government and the public to recognize the critical role played by Private Security Officers (PSOs) in Kenya’s safety infrastructure.

Speaking during the launch of the Usalama Mtaani programme at August 7th Memorial Park, Mutava emphasized that the over 1.4 million PSOs stationed across homes, businesses, and public spaces are often the first responders in emergencies, yet their contributions remain underappreciated.

The event, organised by the Kenya Alliance of Resident Associations (KARA), brought together security stakeholders, community leaders, and residents to champion community-led security solutions.

Challenges

Mutava highlighted the struggles PSOs face, including lack of recognition by state agencies, mistrust from communities, poor communication systems, and inadequate legal protections.

“These gaps not only undermine their effectiveness but also weaken Kenya’s broader security framework,” he said.

Full Implementation of PSRA

To address these challenges, Mutava called for full enforcement of the Private Security Regulation Act (PSRA), which outlines the rights, responsibilities, and protections of guards. He stressed that the law should guide professionalism, accountability, and integration of PSOs into national security strategies.

Coordination and Training

The PSIA chairman proposed a formal communication framework between PSOs, the National Police Service, and county enforcement teams through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He also advocated for joint training programs focusing on human rights, conflict resolution, and inter-agency collaboration, to be facilitated by the Police Training Academy and PSRA’s academic initiatives.

“Kenya can even export skilled security labor, boosting foreign income and creating global job opportunities for our officers,” he added.

Community Engagement

Mutava urged PSOs to actively participate in community initiatives such as clean-ups, safety drills, and town hall meetings to rebuild public trust.

Additionally, he emphasized the need for better welfare, including fair wages, structured rewards, regular commendations, and access to proper gear. “Improving guards’ morale is essential for better service delivery,” he said.

Collective Responsibility

In his closing remarks, Mutava reiterated that security is a shared duty. “PSOs are not rivals to state security but partners. They are not strangers to communities but trusted protectors,” he said.

He called for unity among state agencies, private firms, and citizens, urging, “See something, say something—together.”

The Usalama Mtaani initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots security partnerships, leveraging PSOs as key players in creating a safer Kenya.