Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo on Friday launched the first ever private security training institution in Kisumu County.
He said the launch of C&M Security Training Institution, the Curriculum and Training guidelines for the private security sector signifies the dawn of a new aspect of national security.
Omollo said the institution will focus on re-engineering and streamlining the sector’s operations to ensure effective service delivery.
“Today, we have endorsed C and M Private Security Training Institute in Kisumu County as the first accredited Private Security Training Institution in the Lake Region.” He said
“This will include training to enable the officers to detect, deter and effectively respond to current and emerging security threats.” He added.
“We are also starting to issue Security Force Numbers to the private security guards who will be undergoing this training as we recognize that they are important partners in community policing,” the PS said.
Omollo said the ministry is working to provide private guards with the right equipment to handle security situations when needed.
He also said they will equip security officers with protective gear and tactical vehicles, in a modernization programme in the new Financial Year 2023-24.
Omollo indicated that they are also prioritizing cooperation between the private security sector and national security.
“It is imperative that the Private Security Industry aligns with the government’s national security agenda that is focused on addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the sector,” he said.
Noting that private guards are found in almost every building and street in most crowded cities, he acknowledged that private security firms play a vital role in ensuring public safety and security.
“In fact, private guards are part of the first line of emergency response. Their actions make a significant difference in the outcome of critical situations,” Omollo said.
Omollo said training for private security personnel will now be mandatory.
The PS said they expect private security training institutions to meet national training standards and international best practices in order to generate skilled labour not just for the Kenyan market but also for the global market.
He appealed to local and international partners to join and actively engage with this initiative and contribute to its success.
‘We invite willing investors to come on board through the establishment of modern training facilities, which can help us truly fortify the foundation of our private security sector and bolster its capabilities.’ He said.
The industry,Omollo said, currently employs close to one million people and records an annual revenue of KES. 100 billion and this highlights how a critical driver the sector is for the economy in terms of job creation and contribution to Kenya’s GDP growth.
He commended the Private Security Regulatory Authority for recognizing the value of reaching out to the grassroots to create a stronger and
Omollo said the PSRA office opened in Kisumu County marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
He said the Authority continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a closer connection with local communities and its stakeholders at all levels that ensures the needs and concerns of various regions can be addressed promptly and effectively.
He was accompanied by Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa, Kisumu County commissioner Hussein Alawsow Hissein and chiefs and their assistants.
A director at the facility Mr. Tobias See said they will conform to government modules in the curriculum.
Fredrick Odiero
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