For years, security firms in Kenya have faced criticism for underpaying guards while charging clients high fees, creating an inequitable system
Kenya’s private security sector is set for a significant overhaul with the introduction of a new digital platform that connects security guards directly with clients, bypassing traditional security firms. The move aims to eliminate inefficiencies, promote transparency, and ensure fair wages for guards, while giving clients greater flexibility and control over their security needs.
For years, security firms in Kenya have faced criticism for underpaying guards while charging clients high fees, creating an inequitable system. This platform, supported by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PRSA), is designed to dismantle that model. It promises to streamline the hiring process, reduce administrative overheads, and improve overall industry compliance.
Outgoing Director-General of PRSA, Fazul Mahamed, who has been a key proponent of the initiative, shared insights into the platform’s potential impact. “By the time full-scale implementation is achieved, over 1.3 million guards are expected to be onboard. The platform will implement real-time payment structures to guarantee fair wages while automatically enforcing industry compliance,” Mahamed said in an interview with *Business Daily*.
Mahamed noted that the platform has already been developed and will be rolled out gradually, ensuring it aligns with existing regulatory frameworks. He also highlighted a landmark decision during his tenure, where the High Court upheld a minimum wage of Sh30,000 for security guards. This decision complements the platform’s objective of securing fair pay for workers across the sector.
Drawing parallels with other digital disruptions, such as ride-hailing services and short-term rental apps, the platform removes the need for middlemen, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for clients. It enables clients to hire guards directly for varying durations—whether a few hours, several days, or on a long-term basis—without being bound by rigid contracts.
For security personnel, the app offers more autonomy. Guards will have the flexibility to choose their assignments, set their working hours, and take leave as needed, moving away from the fixed schedules traditionally imposed by security firms. This level of control is expected to improve job satisfaction and productivity.
Additionally, the platform features an emergency response function, ensuring swift deployment of security personnel based on proximity rather than their company affiliation. Clients can also dynamically adjust the level of security depending on their requirements. For instance, a residential community might reduce guard numbers over weekends when most residents are at home and increase coverage during weekdays.
As Kenya embraces this digital shift, the platform is expected to reshape the private security landscape, offering a more transparent, fair, and efficient system for both guards and clients.
