Kilifi,KENYA: Private security providers in Malindi wants the ministry of interior and coordination of government to immediately roll out the training and arming of private security guards all over the country.
The players termed the move by President Uhuru Kenyatta to sign the bill that sets the stage of training and arming of private guards early this month as a move on the right track that will boost security in the country.
The bill also gives the guards arrest and prosecution powers which players say will lessen the burden on the police.
Patrick Karisa who runs Coast Comfort Security Services said that training and arming security guards will help in combating crimes and also create more job opportunities.
“More youth will be attracted to the service because they know they will be trained and be issued with certificates same way police officers and other state security officers are treated,” he said.
He also said that the terms of service will also be harmonized and the trained guards will be paid better as per their qualifications.
The North Coast region has in the recent past been on the receiving end of terror related security incidences and radicalization and this Karisa said will be tamed when the guards acquire knowledge on security laws of Kenya.
“Security guards are the first responders during attacks despite being unarmed but still repel criminals. However, in worst cases, they get killed trying to protect peoples’ property,” he said.
