Private guards say move to arm them will enhance security

Private security guards have welcomed a proposal to arm them saying it would help improve security and save lives.

Led by the Kenya Security Industry Association National Chairman Erick Okeyo, they however want due process carried out such as vetting, training and amending the law for this before private security guards are offered firearms.

Currently, the Private Security Regulation Act prohibits the arming of private security officers.

In the aftermath of the Dusit Attack in January, there emerged calls that the law be amended to allow the arming of guards to cooperate with national security agencies in the maintenance of law and order.

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Proposers said if the private security guards had been armed, they would have battled the terrorists giving police time to arrive and reduce the impact of the situation.

This has seen a debate emerge on whether it is prudent to arm security guards.

Okeyo said before private security guards are armed, they will have to undergo due process that involves vetting, a thorough mandatory psychiatric evaluation and training on handling the gun.

Okeyo made the remarks during the Kenya Security Industry Association Annual General Meeting

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