The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has today commenced the issuance of badges to private security guards at entertainment joints in Nairobi.
The exercise to be cascaded to the counties, being undertaken jointly with the National Police Service will see all bouncers and guards given the badges upon completion of mandatory training.
PSRA CEO Fazul Mahamed who addressed the press after presiding over the activity in various clubs across the city, said the move is aimed at integrating the services of private security providers into the national security infrastructure.
"You have all seen that the level of crimes within these spots including nightclubs has skyrocketed in the recent past and that is why we want to ensure there is collaboration to maintain security and ensure life and property are protected," Fazul said.
The constitution, he added, also requires that private security cooperates with the national security organs.
According to the regulator, there are over a million people employed in the joints across the country to provide security.
Nairobi regional commander Adamson Bungei was also present and emphasized the need for synergy between private security and national police service.
Bungei said uniting the teams together ensures that crimes are eliminated.
"We are coming together to enhance service delivery, perhaps our objective is public security," he noted.
During the exercise, up to 50 bouncers at Kettle House, Black Samurai Lounge and Oyster Bay were issued with Guard Force Numbers (GFNs) to operate as private security service providers.
The ongoing exercise, PSRA said, is to ensure that the bouncers employed or otherwise engaged by these establishments have undergone mandatory security training, are duly licensed and possess valid Guard Force Numbers (GFNs).
Fazul said the badges are the property of the government and are to be returned after the end of service.
A month ago, the regulator ordered that all private security personnel undergo mandatory security training before they are issued with the badges.
It said that anyone offering services without a valid training certificate or duly registered and licensed faces a fine or imprisonment.