The government intends to fully rope in the private security sector to help in fighting crime by strengthening and equipping them with necessary equipment and skills to execute their mandate, Interior Principal Secretary Interior Raymond Omollo has said.
Speaking during the launch of the first private security training institution in Uasin Gishu County, PS Omollo underscored the need for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the sector to align it to the Government’s national security agenda.
“We are here today to mark a huge milestone in our Security Sector Reforms Agenda. The launch of the 1st Private Security Training institution is a groundbreaking initiative that not only signifies a paradigm shift in the private security sector but also spells a whole new aspect for our national security.” Omollo said.
He reiterated the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to re-engineering and streamlining the sector’s operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery, adding that they are aware that private security firms play a very instrumental role in complementing state security services.
“At the heart of these security reforms is providing them with the right training so that they can detect, deter and effectively respond to the current and emerging security threats appropriately. Under the new administration and in the new Financial Year 2023/24, the Ministry has embarked on a modernization programme that will see security officers provided with advanced equipment, protective gear and tactical vehicles.”
The PS seemed to take pride in latest government efforts to capacity-build security personnel, citing the president’s cue in the review of wages and the welfare of officers in the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service through a National Taskforce led by Chief Justice (Rtd) David Maraga.
He added that digitization and automation of processes to enhance government service delivery formed a big part the ministry’s key priorities and an area that needs more cooperation between private security service providers and national security organs.
He commended the to private guards as a critical part of the first line of emergency response, Omollo said their actions make a significant difference in the outcome of critical situations, highlighting their crucial role in ensuring public safety and security.
“We currently have over 900,000 people employed in this sector, with this industry now worth more than Sh100billion annually. This alone highlights how a critical driver this sector is for our economy in terms of job creation and contribution to our GDP growth.”
The PS said, adding, “Further, we intend to have private guards adequately equipped with requisite security equipment and tools of trade to enable them handle security situations in times of need. Today’s event recognizes the contribution of these unsung heroes, and the need to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to continue serving us as a dependable and effective presence in times of need.”
The PS explained that given the distribution of private guards across the country and their position as points of contact, the government was committed to deepening collaboration between National Security Organs and the Private Security Industry to enhance collective security capacity.
“We are also starting to issue Security Force Numbers to the private security guards who will be undergoing this training as we recognize that they are important partners in community policing. It therefore gives me great pleasure and honor to preside over the launch of Miale Security Training Institution, the Curriculum and Training guidelines for this sector. Through the lens of this institution and curriculum, we look forward to a better private security sector that embraces a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. Together, we can foster a private security sector that is characterized by being reliable, efficient, and provides professional services.” He added.