The Kenyan government is launching a mandatory nationwide licensing and training program for security personnel at entertainment and sporting events, the Ministry of Interior announced Tuesday.
The new requirements outlined in a letter to event security workers aim to increase oversight of bouncers, bodyguards and crowd control staff under the 2016 Private Security Regulation Act. All personnel must now undergo government vetting and complete certified training to receive a license for working events.
“No person shall engage in the provision of private security services unless that person has been security vetted, registered and licensed in accordance with the Act,” the letter stated.
The mandatory licensing will be overseen by the Private Security Regulatory Authority, established to regulate the private security industry. The agency has organized an informational forum Wednesday in Nairobi to detail the new regulations.
“The forum is free of charge, however for ease of planning you are required to confirm your attendance,” the letter said. Registration can be done through email or contacting licensing officer Sophia Matheka.
The letter was signed by Fazul Mahamed, chief executive of the regulatory authority, who said the program aims to increase oversight and training for event personnel.
The licensing requirement will apply to all bouncers, bodyguards, VIP protection staff, crowd control workers and similar event security nationwide. The regulation covers staff at entertainment, recreational and sporting venues.
Failure to complete government training and licensing could prevent security personnel from working events in Kenya. The mandatory program launches this month across the country.
