Terrorism has emerged as a global threat to security. We might not be able to fully grasp the complexity of the matter until we look at it on a global scale. Belgium is the latest country in Europe to be hit by cowardly acts of terror. The private security industry has always been front and center in the War on Terror. Guards are often the ones stationed at the entrances to facilities which terrorists view as “soft targets” (hospitals, shopping malls, schools, government buildings, hotels, etc.).
In Kenya, we have our own challenges to deal with, namely al-Shabaab and crime. The country records nearly 70,000 incidences of criminal activity annually. Government forces are stretched thin in an attempt to serve more than 44 million Kenyans. The role of the private security industry in ensuring the continued growth of Kenya’s economy is one that is often downplayed. It starts from how guards are perceived by the rest of the society, who is perhaps not aware of the lengths to which these individuals - these brave men and women - would go to, to protect civilians.
My firm provides private security for government, commercial, and private customers in Kenya. When the Westgate shopping mall attack in Kenya happened in 2013, most of my firm’s guards were engaged in helping to evacuate the shoppers that were inside the mall. Our industry is not yet ready for the use of guns in our daily assignments, but our alarm response teams and others are empowered through armed escort from the police. 80,000 police officers work with more than 400,000 security guards to keep Kenya safe.
When it comes to protecting against crime and terrorism, our industry has developed a myriad of solutions. Security personnel stationed at entrances guard life and property at immense risk to their own lives. Under-Vehicle Surveillance Systems and baggage and hand-held scanners that private security companies operate screen premises, eliminating potential threats. Various access control systems automatically determine who is allowed to go where, while providing the opportunity to screen certain individuals even further. A simple IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV system enables users to watch all that is going on from a phone or tablet using an internet connection. Private security companies in Kenya also ensure the safety of citizens from hazards and other accidents that may cause grievous bodily harm, like fire.
The various security solutions listed above empower business owners by allowing them to institute measures to protect themselves, rather than having to depend on a stretched police force. Some security companies also share alerts and safety tips to help citizens stay safe. Private security firms organize security forums, which bring together major players in the industry and the government to share intelligence as well as to map out co-operation strategies for the future.
Overall, through the support of the private security industry in Kenya, many businesses have grown into high-value investments. That is what we live for every day when we report to work.
