President Uhuru Kenyatta has signed the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill into law.
The law provides for a framework for cooperation between private security companies and the national security organs.
The objective of the Act is to provide for a framework of regulation of private security services industry in accordance with the values and principles set out in the constitution.
The law calls for the registration of all security firms, training of its personnel and proper remuneration for all private security guards.
It will also provide for guidelines for foreign ownership and control of business operating as a security service provider. The new law will also provide for the establishment of the Private Security Regulatory Authority.
The Authority which shall have its headquarters in Nairobi shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal.
The Authority shall ensure reasonable access of its services in all parts of the Republic, so far as it is appropriate to do so, having regard to the nature of the service. The Authority will set standards, create an enforcing mechanism, improve personnel welfare and offer redress from unscrupulous players.
The Authority shall be governed by a board consisting of a chairperson appointed by the President. President Kenyatta also signed the Political Parties Amendment Act 2016.
Present during the signing were the Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi, Attorney General Githu Muigai, Majority Leader in Parliament Aden Duale and Clerk to the National Assembly Justin Bundi.
By PSCU.