Kenya’s leading technology firm has defended the ongoing crackdown on private security firms by the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA).
According to AURA Kenya, the crackdown will improve the standards of service delivery by the private security firms in the country.
Victor Odera, AURA’s head of operation in Kenya, PSRA is a good move towards restoring integrity in Kenya’s private security
sector.
“There are many players doing the right thing, and they should help the regulator identify rogue operators because those are the ones damaging the industry’s reputation,” said Odera.
His comments come amid increased shakeup of the private security sector by PSRA targeting firms over non-compliance with regulations
Between 2024 and March 2026, the regulator had shut down 27 unlicensed firms, targeting what it describes as “rogue operators” undermining standards and exposing the public to risk.
Some of the basic standards PSRA has set for compliance by the private security firms include; security firm be registered in Kenya with at least 25 per cent local shareholding, rigorous vetting of directors, partners, trustees, and management staff, submission of audited accounts, tax compliance certificates, and HR policies, including salary structures.
Others include PSRA-approved security training by PSRA-accredited institutions with standardised training curriculum which covers access control, patrol techniques, first aid, fire safety, and legal awareness, and approval of tools of trade by PSRA.a minimum wage, with that of Nairobi set at Sh30, 000, and comprehensive insurance.
AURA, a tech platform that connects users to on-demand security and medical responders says the PSRA’s crackdown on unlicensed security firms is a necessary and welcome step in restoring trust on private security
While the immediate impact on jobs is significant, Mr Odera noted that the long-term priority should be in building an emergency response network that Kenyans can rely on with confidence.
Odera noted that a standardised pay for guards will resolve the compromised service delivery associated with low pay.
“When guards are underpaid, they’re not in the right frame of mind,” he said, adding that; “We’ve seen cases of collusion with criminals. That’s the real risk people and businesses being exposed from the inside.”
By removing non-compliant firms, the PSRA aims to reduce these vulnerabilities, with the sectors scale estimated to contribute up to Sh300 billion annually into Kenya’s economy.
Born with the need to make private emergency response more accessible, AURA has built one of Kenya’s most extensive on-demand networks of vetted security and medical responders.
Through seamless API integrations, WhatsApp, custom apps and IoT-enabled devices, AURA allows businesses to embed instant emergency response into their existing customer and staff ecosystems, turning safety into a scalable, value-added service.
Odera attests that one of the biggest challenges in Kenya’s security sector is inconsistency, with quality of services varying between urban centers like Nairobi and smaller towns.
“There should be no difference between a response in Nairobi and one in Malindi, he said.
He added; “Consistency is what builds trust, and with this platform, users incorporate feedback directly into its quality control systems, with ratings and incident data feeding into training and performance improvements.
