The Private Security Regulation Act, 2016 changed the private security industry in Kenya. It created a regulator, set out rules for security companies and guards, and gave clients more reasons to expect professional service. But most homeowners, estate committees and business managers have never read it, and do not need to read every section.

This guide explains the Private Security Regulation Act in plain language, focusing on what it means for you as a client. It is general information, not legal advice. For specific legal questions, speak to a lawyer.

Why the Act was introduced

Before the Act, private security in Kenya grew quickly with limited oversight. Standards varied enormously between companies, from well-run firms to operators with untrained, unpaid or unvetted guards. The Private Security Regulation Act aimed to bring order to the industry by setting common rules and creating a body to enforce them.

For clients, the key idea is simple: private security is now a regulated profession, and you are entitled to expect providers to meet regulated standards.

The Private Security Regulatory Authority

The Act established the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA). Broadly, the Authority is responsible for:

• Registering private security service providers
• Registering and overseeing private security officers
• Setting and enforcing standards for the industry
• Handling complaints and taking action against those who break the rules
• Working with other government agencies on security matters

You can find official information on the PSRA website. For a practical guide to checking a company’s status, read how to check if a security company is PSRA licensed.

What the Act means for security companies

Under the Private Security Regulation Act, companies providing private security services are expected to:

What the Act means for guards

The Act also recognises individual private security officers. Guards are expected to meet requirements on registration, training and conduct. In practice, this pushes companies to invest in recruitment, vetting and training, and gives guards clearer professional standing.

Alongside the Act, the government has also set a minimum wage for private security guards, which was widely reported at KSh 30,000 per month when announced. Fair pay matters to clients because reliable, fairly paid guards are more likely to stay alert, stay honest and stay in the job.

What the Act means for you as a client

You do not need to become a regulation expert, but you should understand three practical points:

1. You should hire registered providers

The simplest way to benefit from the Private Security Regulation Act is to hire only registered companies. Using an unregistered provider removes the protections the Act was designed to create.

2. You can expect professional standards

Because the industry is regulated, you are entitled to expect vetted, trained guards, proper conduct and a company that takes complaints seriously. If your provider falls short, you have more grounds to demand improvement.

3. You have somewhere to take serious complaints

If a registered company or guard behaves seriously wrongly, you can raise it with the company first, and escalate to the Authority if necessary.

How the Act affects pricing

One visible effect of regulation is on prices. When companies are expected to pay guards at least the minimum wage and meet training and registration standards, their costs rise. This is why security guard rates in Kenya from reputable, compliant firms are higher than quotes from operators who cut corners.

For a full breakdown, see our guide to security guard rates in Kenya.

Practical checklist for clients

Use this list to make sure your security arrangements reflect the Private Security Regulation Act:

1. Confirm your provider’s registration and keep a copy of the certificate.
2. Ask how guards meet registration and training requirements.
3. Ask for written confirmation that guards are paid at least the legal minimum wage.
4. Make sure your contract clearly describes services, standards and responsibilities.
5. Keep records of incidents and complaints.
6. Review your provider’s compliance at every contract renewal.

For estates, businesses and institutions

If you procure security for others, such as residents, employees, students or patients, build the Act into your process:

• Make registration a mandatory requirement in tenders
• Ask bidders to confirm minimum wage compliance in writing
• Include compliance obligations in the contract
• Review compliance annually

This protects your organisation and shows members or stakeholders that you have chosen responsibly.

Common misunderstandings

“All security companies are registered.” Not necessarily. Always check.

“Registration means the company is good.” Registration is a minimum requirement. You still need to compare vetting, supervision, pricing and contracts. Our guide on how to choose a security company in Kenya covers the rest.

“Compliance is the company’s problem, not mine.” Largely true, but hiring a non-compliant provider can still create risks and headaches for you.

“Cheaper is fine if the guard seems nice.” A friendly guard who is unpaid, unsupervised and unregistered is still a risk.

How Bestcare Security approaches compliance

We treat regulation as part of our service. Our manned guarding services are built on vetting, training, supervision and fair pay. When you call, ask us about our registration and how we meet the standards set by the Private Security Regulation Act. We will give you straight answers.

Where to find reliable information

Regulations and guidance can change, so it is worth knowing where to look for accurate, current information rather than relying on hearsay. The most reliable sources are the Private Security Regulatory Authority’s official website and offices, official government notices, and a qualified lawyer for anything involving contracts or liability. Industry bodies can also help explain how rules apply in practice. Be cautious with social media posts and forwarded messages about new requirements, and check them against official sources before acting.

How the Act affects day-to-day service

Regulation can feel abstract, but it shows up in ordinary moments at your gate. A guard who has been vetted and trained is more likely to confirm visitors with you instead of waving them through. A company that expects inspection keeps better records, so when you ask what happened last night, there is a clear answer in the occurrence book. A provider that pays fairly keeps the same guards longer, so the person at your gate recognises your family, your staff and your regular visitors.

None of this happens automatically because a law exists. It happens because well-run companies use the Private Security Regulation Act as a baseline and build their service on top of it. As a client, your job is to choose those companies and to keep asking questions.

Regulation and technology

The Act focuses mainly on security companies and guards, but most modern security plans also include technology such as CCTV, alarms and access control. When these systems record people, other laws also apply, notably Kenya’s Data Protection Act, 2019. If your security plan includes cameras, read our guide to CCTV and the Data Protection Act in Kenya so your cameras protect you without creating new legal risks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Private Security Regulation Act?

It is the 2016 law that regulates private security in Kenya. It established the Private Security Regulatory Authority and sets rules for security companies and guards.

Does the Act apply to small security companies?

The Act applies to private security service providers generally. Always check that any company you hire is registered, whatever its size.

Does the Act set a minimum wage for guards?

The minimum wage for guards was set separately by the government and was widely reported at KSh 30,000 per month when announced. Ask your provider to confirm guards are paid at least the legal minimum.

Where can I report a security company that breaks the rules?

Raise the issue with the company first. For serious matters, you can contact the Private Security Regulatory Authority.

Do I need to register anything as a client?

Generally, the registration obligations fall on security providers and officers, not on clients. Your main responsibility is to choose a registered provider and keep records of that choice. If you employ guards directly rather than through a company, take legal advice on what applies to you.

How often do the rules change?

Regulations and guidance can be updated. Check official PSRA sources from time to time, and ask your provider to tell you about any changes that affect your service.

Is this article legal advice?

No. It is general information for clients. For legal advice about your situation, speak to a qualified lawyer.

How can Bestcare Security help?

Call 0709 004 600. We will explain our registration and compliance and help you plan security that meets regulated standards.

Related reading

• How to Choose a Security Company in Kenya: A 12-Point Checklist
• 15 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Security Contract in Kenya
• 12 Red Flags of a Bad Security Company (and What to Do About Them)

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