Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has said they are developing a policy framework to prioritize National Youth Service training as a consideration for employment by private security companies.
Speaking during the 10th anniversary of the Westgate terror attack, PSRA director general Fazul Mahamed said once the framework is adopted it will prioritise the NYS training.
Mahamed said it would be a win-win scenario for the private security industry since they would have easy access to a pool of skilled personnel.
"The government spends billions annually to train and equip young men and women enrolled in the NYS with the necessary skills and competencies to serve the nation," Mahamed said.
Mahamed said it costs the government over Sh250,000 to train one serviceman or woman from admission to completion of their course and subsequent graduation.
He however said upon graduation, there is no established framework for the placement or employment of the highly trained members of the NYS in either the private or public sector.
"This is despite the fact that the NYS programmes embody security, intelligence and paramilitary training that provides a prepared pool of highly competent, screened and vetted soldiers with a high level of discipline that translates directly into the requirements for entry into the private security industry," he said.
Mahamed said private security officers have for years been a reassuring presence in almost every sphere of life in our country.