The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has directed all Private Security Firms to immediately stop the deductions and remittances of security guards’ monthly trade union fee contributions to the Central Organisation of Trade Union Kenya (COTU).
According to a statement, PSRA said that despite their low salaries and non-representation by COTU, Private Security Guards have faithfully contributed monthly trade union fees (ranging from KES.150-KES.600) to COTU for decades.
“For years, private security companies have consistently deducted trade union fees from private security guards and subsequently remitted the said contributions to the Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU – Kenya,” the statement read in part.
“Regrettably, notwithstanding their significant financial contributions, COTU has not lived up to its mandate and has persistently disregarded, declined, and/or neglected to advocate for their rights, advocate for compliance with minimum wage and promote the general welfare of private security guards.”
Section 9 (k) of the Act mandates PSRA to promote the protection and enforcement of the rights and welfare of private security officers (security guards).
This action comes in response to security guards’ complaints about fund utilization and their welfare not being addressed by COTU. The Authority is actively investigating COTU’s handling of security guards’ contributions (estimates put this figure in Billions).
PSRA is fully committed to regulatory standards that ensure security guards’ rights and welfare are protected.
