Dr. Isaac Andabwa, Secretary General KNPSWU
The Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) is calling on the government to open up the way to provide the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) with details about how standards forperforming practices are met by private security firms and in this way to ensure that professionalism in the security sector is promoted in the whole country and security officers are taken care of at the same time.
Speaking in Nairobi, KNPSWU Secretary General Dr. Isaac Andabwa, said that some owners of private security firms are among those who have taken the militant attitude vis- a -vis the implementation of the reforms that have been gazetted for their selfish interests.
He said that in spite of the PSRA clear directives, there are organizations which not only violate workers’ rights but also do so in ways and areas as well that are not disclosed.
He mentioned among the reforms the 6 percent minimum salary increment that was introduced as a new measure for all private security guards and the establishmentof a unique Guard Force Number (GFN) to professionalize the sector and improve accountability.
Dr. Andabwa said that the adjustments had not been made in many workers’ salaries and as a result, they have not been given the GFN, and it is the cause of their being exposed to exploitation.
He spoke of the delay as “deliberate sabotage” upon the alleged offenders who do not welcome change and are ruining the government’s plans for the orderly management of the multi-billion-shilling industry.
The KNPSWU boss called on the Ministry of Interior and the PSRA to take action, be it harsh or mild against the firms that are not compliant. He said, “Do not let inaction be prolonged as it will lead to security officers losing their zeal, and they are the ones who help us have peace in the country.”
Dr. Andabwa further pled the union’s commitment to the cause of private security workers, and he also invited the support of other stakeholders to share the responsibility of doing so by ensuring that securityworkers are treated fairly, given better pay and their working conditions improved.
“We cannot wait any longer; the guards must be given their rights and be handled with humanity per tfe law.” he added