Experts warn of rise in number of fake security officers

Security experts have cautioned against the big number of quacks operating in the industry, and thus comprising the safety of Kenyans.

Under the banner of Association for Corporate and Industrial Security Management Professionals of Kenya, they noted the cons took advantage of lack of regulations and established networks to survive.

The networks provide security services ranging from guard duties, installing surveillance equipment, training and advising companies and government personnel as well as conducting criminal investigations among others.

MEMBERSHIP

But ACISMP which draws membership from officers who left the military to join corporate sector, plans to raise the standards.

“Once this professional body gets composed and focused the quacks will vanish. It will give reliable information and advice on national, regional and global security because it will have a diverse pool that will add value to government and companies,” said the organisation’s chairman Maj (Rtd) Twalib Mbarak.

In its first elections held Saturday, other officials who assumed office are Maj (Rtd) Mike Kariuki (vice chairman), Maj (Rtd) Paul Nyaga (Treasurer), Capt (Rtd) Augustine Lokwang (secretary-general) and Maj (Rtd) Nicholas Mayeze (organising secretary).

Capt (Rtd) Lokwang also said: “Contemporary security threats have induced increased demand for security services, many masquerading as risk consultants and advisors, and mushrooming private security companies to complement government agencies.”

SECURITY FIRMS

There are nearly 70 security firms in the country registered under the Kenya Security Industry Association and the Protective Security Industry Association.

Many other briefcase companies also operate.

Once fully operational ACISMP hopes to raise to the level of other professional bodies like Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board and the Law Society of Kenya.

Capt (Rtd) Lokwang adds: “Security professionals in Kenya will be expected to subscribe to professional code of conduct. The organisation will work to bring order and mainstream the private security sector.”

In working with the government Maj (Rtd) Mbarak said they would advise in formulating laws that would help in addressing new crimes as they emerge.

CYBERCRIME

He identified cyber-crime as one of the crimes posing the greatest challenges to countries today and would require their attention.

Maj (Rtd) Mbarak said: “Current laws are not adequate to cover cyber security. Even the most developed countries are working to make new laws and Kenya cannot escape. And because cybercrime is transnational in nature, our laws must be harmonized with international laws and Statutes to make them viable.”

The secretary general added that the new organisation has the best experts.

“Our concept appreciates that most retired officers have invested their time and resources to build own capacity to qualify to manage complex corporate security programmes in State corporations and private sector in the country,” said Capt (rtd) Lokwang.