REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND SERVICE DELIVERY AMONG PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDERS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

MOSES AREBA BOSIRE; JOSEPH KARANJA

doi:10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.508

MOSES AREBA BOSIRE Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya
JOSEPH KARANJA, PhD Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61426/rjssh.v7i1.508

Keywords: Regulatory Frameworks, Service Delivery, Private Security Providers, Mandatory Training, Registration Requirements, Data Protection

Abstract

Private security firms play an important role in protecting people, property, and businesses in Kenya. To improve professionalism and accountability in the sector, the government introduced the Private Security Regulation Act of 2016. The Act requires private security providers to follow key rules, including mandatory guard training, official registration of personnel, and compliance with data protection requirements. The objective of this study was to examine how training requirements, registration requirements, and data protection requirements influence service delivery among private security service providers in Nairobi City County. The study was guided by Human Capital Theory, which explains that investing in workers through training and skills development improves their discipline, communication, productivity, and overall performance. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The target population included private security guards, supervisors, managers, union representatives, and regulatory officials involved in the private security sector in Nairobi City County. Data were collected using questionnaires and structured interview guides. The findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The study found that mandatory training improved guard skills, discipline, communication, and response to security incidents. Registration requirements also helped improve accountability because they made it easier to track personnel and hold firms responsible. Data protection requirements improved client trust, especially where firms handled visitor records, CCTV information, and other personal data carefully. However, the study also found that smaller firms struggled with high compliance costs, bureaucracy, limited technical skills, and weak support systems. The study concluded that the regulatory framework can improve service delivery, but stronger enforcement and more support for smaller firms are needed for the law to have a greater impact in Nairobi City County.

Author Biographies

MOSES AREBA BOSIRE, Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

JOSEPH KARANJA, PhD, Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

Department of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies, Kenyatta University, Kenya

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