The Private Security Industry in Kenya: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Private security enterprises are now a major feature in Africa and around the world. Anyone who has visited Kenya is familiar with being greeted by the man in a hut by the gate, watching and waiting to sit out his cold night. Beside him, attached to the gate is a hand-painted sign reading “Mbwa kali” meaning “Harsh dog!” The presence of such industries is related to a number of factors such as the state of the economy, inequality and provision of adequate and trustworthy state security. Kenya has seen increasing levels of crime in recent years. Between 2002 and January 2005 police records showed 4,467 people killed by criminals. The high and mighty, the poor and humble and even security agents have been victims of bloodthirsty killers. According to news reports, many died during car-jackings or during raids on their homes or businesses. The former British Ambassador to Kenya, Edward Clay noted that “[c]rime remains a scourge that blights the lives of all, rich and poor, from the shambas of the provinces to the offices of Nairobi and the homes of rich and poor in every town and village. Every day in Kenya, people are condemned to awake in fear and with little or no confidence in the ability of the institutions of law and order to protect them.” (cited in East African Standard Online, 16 June 2005)