Security firms have rejected the minimum monthly salary of Sh30,000 for security guards.
The payrise was proposed by the Private Security Regulatory Authority but condemned by the Protective Security Industry Association.
There are many reasons why this proposal is out of order.
Firstly, legally, it should be the Labour ministry to propose any change in wage rates for the 1.2 million security guards in Kenya (presently set at Sh15,201 for day guards and Sh16,959 for night guards) according to the Protective Security Services Order of 1998.
Secondly, Sh30,000 is higher than the salary for privates in the KDF.
Thirdly, this payrise may undermine a major employer in Kenya and throw into confusion the status of guards and night watchmen working for private houses and estates.
Finally, and most importantly, it seems inequitable that one category of employee should get special treatment. Presently the minimum wage of Sh650 per day works out to around Sh16,700 monthly for a six-day week. If government wants security guards to be paid more, it should raise the minimum wage for all Kenyans, not just guards. That would be equitable.
Quote of the day: "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
The Italian astronomer was born on February 15, 1564
