BY ALBERT NYAKUNDI
Private Security providers have been asked to develop a business continuity plan and share it with their clients should any of their staff get infected with the Coronavirus.
This will ensure there are no security gaps should their members get quarantined during the ongoing lockdown.
Professional Criminologists Association of Kenya Events and Security director Ken Williams Nyakomita has pleaded with the security firms.
Nyakomita spoke on Thursday during a joint press conference at a Nairobi hotel that brought together security players in the country.
Officials from Protective and Safety Association of Kenya (PROSAK), Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), Gun Owners Association and Association of Corporate and Industrial Security Management Professionals among others attended.
Nyakomita said the government and other security stakeholders should not only advise the private security staff on how to take care of themselves while at work but also while at home with their families.
He faulted the use of hand gloves by security guards and instead said regular washing of hands and sanitization should take the center stage.
“These are the three security gaps that we have identified. The same gloves are used when inspecting different cars and can easily spread the virus as compared to continuous washing of hands.” Nyakomita said.
All the representatives supported the current lockdown by President Uhuru to contain the pandemic.
Protective Security Industry Association chairman Cosmas Mutava who read the joint press statement said the government should provide basic health training for their members since they are more exposed.
He appealed to the government to provide quality masks such as N-95, gloves, temperature sensors and Hazmat suits for the 700 ,000 private guards who he said fearlessly stand in the frontline day and night.
He urged the government to allow the private security sector to give their views on the pandemic.
Mutava said despite internal challenges faced by their members, this was not the right time to go on strike.
“We recognize that the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer a medical issue limited to medical institutions only, but the disease can now be termed a national healthcare crisis as far as public health and safety are concerned.” Mutava said.
He asked members of the public not to panic and be alert, avoid social contact and fake cures.
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