- COTU refuted claims that the union was failing to advocate for the welfare of private security guards. Instead, they highlighted the measures taken to safeguard their interests.
- In a statement, the union boss Francis Atwoli said COTU has been the leading champion of the rights and welfare of Private Security Workers in Kenya.
Image: COURTESY
The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) has launched a scathing critique against the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) for allegedly failing to advocate for the welfare of private security guards.
According to PSRA Director General Fazul Mohamed, workers in private security companies have for long been neglected despite their substantial contributions to the union's coffers.
COTU refuted claims that the union was failing to advocate for the welfare of private security guards. Instead, they highlighted the measures taken to safeguard their interests.
In a statement, the union boss Francis Atwoli said COTU has been the leading champion of the rights and welfare of Private Security Workers in Kenya.
"It is COTU (K) that gave the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) impetus to revamp and as a result saw the election of Isaac Andabwa as the General Secretary for the union," part of the statement read.
"In 2007, the Kenya Guards Workers Union changed to the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union and through the efforts of Atwoli, the Union has stabilized with a stable leadership."
However, Mohamed claimed COTU has been in this space for long but it has been silent about the welfare of these guards.
"The people who contribute a lot of money to the union is you-the guards-but why are your grievances not been looked into?" Mohamed posed.
Speaking during the mass registration exercise for the guards and bouncers at Uhuru Park on Saturday, Mohamed threatened to push for an election within the union to oust current officials if the situation persists.
He specifically targeted Secretary General Francis Atwoli, stating their intention to install a representative from the private security industry into office.
However, COTU noted that while they support the ongoing reforms in the sector, they also remain fearful that the process has been hijacked.
"PSRA has been the greatest impediment to the enhancement of the rights and welfare of private security guards as COTU (K) has received numerous complaints on the same through our affiliate union, Kenya National Private Security Workers Union," Cotu claimed.
"PSRA has, for long, stood against the many reforms proposed by COTU (K) towards enhanced welfare of the Private Security Workers."
However, PSRA's Mohamed reiterated his commitment to fully implementing the new reforms and regulations in the private security industry including the welfare of the guards.
He commended the workers in the industry for their great work and the sacrifices that they make every day to maintain public safety.
Mohamed assured them that moving forward, they will receive the remuneration they truly deserve.
The union went on to note that on January 17, 2023, Atwoli called on the government to crack down on rogue Security firms and ensure that rogue security firms pay above the minimum wage, taxes and other deductions for the enhancement of the welfare of workers.
The government has capped the minimum salary for the guards at Sh30,000.
"COTU (K) supports reforms aimed at benefiting workers," COTU said.
"COTU (K) would equally, at this point, wish to remind Fazul that the Private Security Regulatory Authority was established to provide regulations and establish frameworks for better coordination of the players in the Private Security Sector. Therefore, PSRA ought to be tripartite, in nature, and represent employers, government and the employees for the benefit of all actors in the sector."