The government has demanded security firms to commit to paying private security guards the minimum wage of Ksh30,000 within the next seven days lest they lose their licences.
In a letter of commitment addressed to the firms, the government through the Private Security Regulatory Authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that private security officers within the Nairobi Metropolitan area are paid Ksh30,000. In contrast, those operating outside the Nairobi metropolitan area are paid Ksh27,183.
"…Strive to ensure all private security officers employed or otherwise engaged by the company are paid a basic minimum monthly wage of Ksh30,000 for those operating within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and Ksh27,183 for those operating outside Nairobi Metropolitan Area," the letter reads in parts.
"That we hereby without any reservations whatsoever, commit to comply with the government-set minimum wage as per legal Notice No. PSRA/005/2023, the guiding principles under Article 238 (1) and 238 (2) (a) and 9(b) of the constitution, the Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016 and the terms and conditions attached to the certificate of registration," the letter added.
To actualise the policy and ensure compliance, the authority underscored that it will maintain accurate records of all payments and statutory deductions made including documentation supporting compliance.
The government warned that failure to comply will attract legal consequences including fines, penalties, and potential cancellation of licences to operate.
"..these records shall be made available for inspection upon request by the Private Security Regulatory Authority. Enclosed herewith is a certified copy of the latest pay slip for our private security officer," the letter added.
In the latest salary changes announced in November last year, Private Security Guards in Nairobi will be paid a minimum of Ksh18,994 with a house allowance of Ksh2,849.11 and overtime allowance of Ksh8,156.81, summing up to Ksh30,000 per month.
The employees will pay statutory deductions of Ksh 1,080 to the National Social Security Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund (Ksh825), Pay As You Earn (Ksh1,229.75) and affordable Housing Levy (Ksh450).
