Probe begins on billions remitted to COTU by security guards

The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) now says investigations into how monthly remittances by security guards to the Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) have been utilised over the years have begun.

In a statement, PSRA said Section 10 (b) of the Private Security Regulation Act mandates it to conduct or cause to be conducted investigations and enquiries with regard to any matter falling within the scope of its function.

"In view of the foregoing provision of the law and the numerous complaints from private security officers, the authority with the aim of protecting the welfare and rights of over 1.3million private security guards, has instituted an investigation into the collection and use of all finances that have been deducted and remitted to Cotu by private security companies," PSRA Director General Fazul Mahamed said.

In light of this, the authority on Monday directed private security firms to cease making deductions to the trade union, citing complaints by the guards over the fund's usage.

Fazul said COTU has failed the guards over the years by not fighting for their welfare despite accumulating "billions" from their monthly remittances and contributions.

"Regrettably, notwithstanding their significant financial contributions, COTU has not lived up to its mandate and has persistently disregarded, declined and or neglected to advocate for their rights, advocate for their compliance with minimum wage and promote their general welfare," said Fazul.

Monthly contributions

According to PSRA Private Security Guards have faithfully contributed monthly trade union fees (ranging from Sh150-Sh600) to COTU for decades despite earning low salaries over time.

The authority said it is invoking Section 9 (k) of the Private Security Regulation Act that mandates it to promote the protection and enforcement of the rights and welfare of private security officers (security guards).

"This action comes in response to security guards’ complaints about fund utilisation and their welfare not being addressed by COTU. The Authority is actively investigating COTU’s handling of security guards’ contributions (estimates put this figure in billions)," the statement adds.

The country has about 1.3 million security guards.

The directive to halt the remittances shall remain in force until the authority gives further directions.

Any company that continues to honour the remittances will be subjected to a statutory review of its registration and licensing states in accordance with Section 32 of the said Act, PSRA warned.

The authority had last month issued Cotu with a warning to halt the remittances for the union's lack of support for security guards' welfare.

The government is making efforts to regularise the industry that plays a key complementary role in securing the country and its vital installations.

Part of these efforts include issuing individual guards with identifiable numbers that help promote accountability in the event of misconduct.

Last month, their employers were directed to effect a legal requirement to have the least-paid guard take home Sh30,000.