15 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Security Contract in Kenya
A security contract is one of the most important documents you will sign for your home or business. It decides who protects your property, what they must do, what happens when something goes wrong and how you can end the arrangement if it is not working. Yet many people sign a security contract after a short conversation and a quick look at the monthly price.
This guide gives you 15 questions to ask before you sign. They are grouped into scope, people, price, performance, liability and exit. Ask them of any provider, including us. A professional company will answer each one clearly and put the answers in writing.
Why the security contract matters so much
When things go well, you rarely look at the contract. When things go wrong, such as a break-in, a missing guard, a dispute over an invoice or a decision to change providers, the contract is the only thing that counts. Verbal promises made in a sales meeting are hard to enforce. Written terms are not.
A good security contract protects both sides. It gives the security company clear instructions and fair payment, and it gives you a clear standard of service and a way to act if that standard is not met.
Scope: what exactly are you buying?
1. How many guards, on which posts, for which hours?
The contract should list every post (for example, main gate, reception, patrol), the hours each post is covered and the number of guards on each shift. “Security services as required” is not enough.
2. What are the guards’ duties?
Ask for written post instructions to be attached to the contract, or at least referenced. Our security guard duties checklist shows what a good list includes.
3. What else is included?
Clarify whether the security contract includes supervision visits, alarm response, CCTV monitoring, patrol vehicles, radios or other equipment. If you are buying several services, each should be described.
| Scope item | Should be in the contract? |
|---|---|
| Number of guards and posts | Yes |
| Shift hours | Yes |
| Duties or post instructions | Yes, attached or referenced |
| Supervision frequency | Yes |
| Relief cover | Yes |
| Equipment provided | Yes |
| Technology (CCTV, alarms) | Yes, if included |
| Emergency response | Yes |
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People: who will protect your property?
4. How are guards vetted and trained?
The contract, or the proposal attached to it, should describe the vetting process (identity, police clearance, references) and training. You want assurance that every guard deployed meets this standard, not just the first one.
5. What happens when a guard is absent?
Relief cover should be guaranteed in writing. Ask how quickly a relief guard will arrive and whether you pay extra for it. Our article on relief security guards explains why this matters.
6. Can I ask for a guard to be replaced?
You should be able to request a replacement for a guard who is not performing, without needing to prove misconduct. Check that this right is in the security contract.
7. Are the guards paid legally?
Ask for written confirmation that guards are paid at least the legal minimum wage and receive statutory benefits. This protects you from being drawn into labour disputes and makes it more likely your guards stay reliable.
Price: what will you pay?
8. What is the monthly price and what does it include?
The price should be stated clearly, with what it covers. Ask whether VAT is included and whether any items are billed separately.
9. When and how can the price change?
Many contracts allow price reviews, for example once a year or when statutory wages change. Make sure the security contract states how much notice you will get and how increases are calculated.
10. What are the payment terms?
Check when invoices are issued, how long you have to pay, and what happens if payment is late. Clear terms avoid disputes that can disrupt service.
For more on fair pricing, read our guide to security guard rates in Kenya.
Performance: how will you know it is working?
11. What reports will I receive?
Ask whether you will get access to the occurrence book, incident reports, supervision records and regular review meetings. For businesses and estates, monthly reports are common.
12. What service levels does the company commit to?
Service levels might include guard punctuality, supervision frequency, response time to incidents and time to replace a guard. Ask what happens if these are missed, such as service credits or the right to terminate.
| Service level example | Why it helps you |
|---|---|
| Relief guard on site within a set time | No unattended posts |
| Minimum number of night supervision visits per week | Guards stay alert |
| Incident reports within 24 hours | Fast information for decisions |
| Named account manager | One person accountable |
Liability: what happens when something goes wrong?
13. Who is liable if there is a loss?
This is one of the most important clauses in any security contract. Ask whether the company is liable for losses caused by guard negligence, what limits apply, and whether the company carries insurance. Read this clause carefully and, for high-value sites, ask a lawyer to review it. We are not lawyers, and this article is general guidance, not legal advice.
14. How are incidents investigated?
Ask how the company investigates incidents involving its guards, how quickly you will receive findings, and what actions will be taken.
Exit: how do you end the contract?
15. What is the notice period and how does handover work?
Check how long the contract lasts, how much notice either side must give, and whether you can end it early for poor performance. Ask how the handover to a new provider would work so there is no gap in cover. Our guide on how to change security company without a gap walks you through the process.
Red flags in a security contract
Be cautious if a contract:
- Has no clear description of guards, posts and hours
- Excludes all liability for guard negligence
- Allows unlimited price increases at the company’s discretion
- Locks you in for a long period with no exit for poor performance
- Charges extra for basics such as relief cover or uniforms
- Is not signed by an authorised person at the company
More warning signs are covered in red flags of a bad security company.
A simple process for reviewing any security contract
- Read the whole document, not just the price page.
- Highlight anything that is vague or missing.
- List your questions and send them in writing.
- Ask for changes to be made in the contract itself, not in an email.
- For large contracts, ask a lawyer to review liability and termination clauses.
- Keep a signed copy where you can find it quickly.
Our approach at Bestcare Security
Every Bestcare Security contract lists guards, posts, hours and duties, confirms relief cover and supervision, explains pricing and review terms, and sets out a clear notice period. We are happy to walk you through every clause before you sign. Whether you need manned guarding services, residential security or corporate security, we will make sure you understand exactly what you are signing.
Keeping the security contract up to date
A security contract is not a document you sign and forget. Your property, business and risks change over time, and the contract should change with them. Review it at least once a year, and whenever you add a post, change your hours, install CCTV or alarms, or experience a serious incident. Each change should be recorded in a written amendment signed by both sides, so there is never confusion about what was agreed. This keeps your protection matched to your real needs and avoids arguments over invoices or responsibilities later.
Questions businesses and estates should add
Larger clients often need extra terms in their security contract. Businesses should ask about confidentiality of company information, compliance with their own health and safety rules, and how guards will follow internal procedures such as bag searches or key control. Estates and apartment blocks should confirm who signs the contract on behalf of residents, how the committee receives reports, and how disputes between individual residents and guards will be handled. Getting these points agreed up front avoids friction later.
Frequently asked questions
What should a security contract in Kenya include?
It should list guards, posts, hours and duties, supervision and relief cover, price and payment terms, reporting, service levels, liability and the notice period for ending the contract.
How long is a typical security contract?
Many run for 12 months with a notice period of one to three months. Some clients prefer shorter terms at first, then longer contracts once they trust the provider.
Can I end a security contract early?
It depends on the terms. Look for a clause allowing termination for persistent poor performance, and make sure the notice period is reasonable.
Is the security company liable if my property is burgled?
Liability depends on the contract and on whether the guard was negligent. Read the liability clause carefully and get legal advice for high-value sites.
Should relief guards be included in the price?
Yes. Relief cover is a basic part of any guarding service and should be included and guaranteed in writing.
Can you review a security contract I have been offered?
We can explain how our own contract compares and answer your questions. Call 0709 004 600 to talk it through.
Related reading
- How to Choose a Security Company in Kenya: A 12-Point Checklist
- 12 Red Flags of a Bad Security Company (and What to Do About Them)
- In-House Guards vs Outsourced Security Services: Which Is Better in Kenya?
Explore our security services in Kenya or see all our security services in Kenya.
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