Private security firms, other bodies to bolster Govt. in fight against coronavirus
Several security companies and organisations have come together to bolster the government’s effort in the fight against coronavirus disease.
The move comes just a fortnight after the Private Security Associations suspended all strikes to enable the 700,000 strong security men and women fully take part in the fight.
A statement by Private Security Congress indicated that the private security guards will serve as a standby force and that plans are underway to train its workforce.
Officials of several associations under the Congress have met with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government to roll out the training starting Thursday, April 2.
According to Delano Kiilu, Secretary-General of the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya (PROSAK), the officers would serve as primary informants for the government.
“Our guards will act as primary informants and we immediately transmit the same information to National Emergency Centre,” Kiilu said.
Security companies in the country have been listed under the essential services providers who can operate outside the curfew hours.
This makes them uniquely placed to serve as the eyes and ears of the government around the clock and report back to the relevant authorities.
Chairperson of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) Cosmas Mutava yesterday said several teams were already meeting and working on various aspects of training and coordination with the national emergency committee.
Currently, more than 600 officers are undergoing training on how to sanitise and use protective gear without endangering their lives.
This training is designed to trickle down to the other members.
PROSAK chairman Enock Makanga said coordination of the guards will be effected through the communication and command centre that will relay information from the security officials to the national centre and vice-versa.
The associations involved include the PROSAK, PSIA, Professional Criminology Association of Kenya (PCAK), National Association of Retired Police Officers of Kenya (NARPOK) have come together to bolster government efforts in fighting the spread of the virus.
Other institutions include Women in Security (WISE), the Kenya Professional Society of Criminology (KEPSOC), the Association of Corporate and Industrial Security Management Professionals) ACISMP, and the National Gun Owners Association of Kenya (NGAO).
