By Shadrack Nyakoe
Armed private security guards will complement the police and wont competent them.
The Secretary General of the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union Issac Andabwa has said.
Speaking to Hot News, Andabwa said arming security guards will help repel terrorists in case they strike.
On Friday Interior CS Fred Matinagi gazetted regulations that will see the guards engage in quelling riots and getting involved in security work during elections.
The guards will ride in armored and rapid response vehicles.
They will be allowed to use sirens and flash warning lights on highways.
According to the gazette notice, the private guards will enjoy these privileges under the guidance of the Inspector General of Police.
The rules are in line with the Private Security Regulation Act 2016.
The act spells out the creation of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) headed by Fazul Mohamed.
The authority will be in charge of ensuring the guards comply with the new rules.
However, not all gourds will carry guns, radio calls, and recorders.
‘’Those posted in places like banks, airports, supermarkets and malls are the ones who will be issued with guns, but not all, ‘said Andabwa.
Andabwa said the union will cooperate with the government.
‘’We thank President Uhuru Kenyatta for the new regulations. He is the only president who has recognized our efforts in the building the Nation,” he said.
Private security firms will, however, have to comply with strict rules and guidelines as spelt out in the Private Security Regulation Act 2016.