Africa-Press – Kenya. The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has launched a scathing critique against the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) for allegedly failing to advocate for the welfare of private security guards.
According to PSRA Director General Fazul Mohamed, workers in private security companies have for long been neglected despite their substantial contributions to the union’s coffers.
“COTU has been in this space for long but it has been silent about the welfare of these guards,” Mohamed claimed.
“The people who contribute a lot of money to the union is you-the guards-but why are your grievances not been looked into?” he posed.
Speaking during the mass registration exercise for the guards and bouncers at Uhuru Park on Saturday, Mohamed threatened to push for an election within the union to oust current officials if the situation persists.
He specifically targeted Secretary General Francis Atwoli, stating their intention to install a representative from the private security industry into office.
Mohamed at the same time reiterated his commitment to fully implementing the new reforms and regulations in the private security industry including the welfare of the guards.
He commended the workers in the industry for their great work and the sacrifices that they make every day to maintain public safety.
Mohamed assured them that moving forward, they will receive the remuneration they truly deserve.
COTU, in responding to the allegations, refuted claims that the union was failing to advocate for the welfare of private security guards. Instead, they highlighted the measures taken to safeguard their interests.
In a statement, the union said boss Francis Atwoli has been the leading champion of the rights and welfare of Private Security Workers in Kenya which they said has seen the Executive Board of COTU ensure that there is a union that represents these workers and that there are regulations in place.
“It is COTU (K) that gave the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) impetus to revamp and as a result saw the election of Isaac Andabwa as the General Secretary for the union,” part of the statement read.
“In 2007, the Kenya Guards Workers Union changed to the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union and through the efforts of Atwoli, the Union has stabilized with a stable leadership.”
The union went on to note that on January 17, 2023, Atwoli called on the government to crack down on rogue Security firms and ensure that rogue security firms pay above the minimum wage, taxes and other deductions for the enhancement of the welfare of workers.
The government has capped the minimum salary for the guards at Sh30,000.
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