Gov’t Starts Vetting Of School And University Watchmen

Gov’t Starts Vetting Of School And University Watchmen

Gov’t Starts Vetting Of School And University Watchmen

On Tuesday, February 13, the government, acting through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), mandated that all higher education institutions’ internal security officers undergo background checks. The nationwide screening process, according to PSRA, would cover colleges, polytechnics, universities, and vocational training facilities, both private and public.

Following screening, the guards will have to complete mandatory training, and those who pass will receive a license to operate as in-house security officers. According to PSRA, there have been more instances of insecurity both within and outside Kenyan colleges, which is why these steps were necessary.

It was stated that the vetting and training programs had already received approval from heads of security and authorities in charge of higher education institutions. This was decided upon at a meeting with PSRA representatives where various measures to guarantee the safety and security of higher education institutions were discussed.

Part of a PSRA statement said, “The Government has begun the mandatory nationwide security vetting, training, and licensing of all in-house security officers employed in institutions of higher learning.”

It was also mentioned that all officers providing security services, whether they work for the aforementioned organizations or are otherwise involved in the private security service industry, will be subject to the same screening, training, and licensing procedures as contracted private security officers.

Prior to the process starting, on February 22, the Authority is hosting a sensitization forum at the Kenya School of Government. All security officers are welcome to attend the event, which is free of charge and will be fully assisted by the National Government via the Ministry of Interior.

The PSRA has been a proponent of streamlining the private security industry, with a focus on worker welfare. A minimum salary of Ksh30,000 per month for registered security guards is one of the ideas.