The Central Organization of Trade Union Kenya (COTU) has received orders from the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to cease the monthly trade union fee deductions and remittances from all private security firms. 

In a statement, PSRA claimed that for decades, Private Security Guards have faithfully paid monthly trade union dues (ranging from KES.150 to KES.600) to COTU, despite their low pay and lack of representation by COTU.

“For years, private security companies have consistently deducted trade union fees from private security guards and subsequently remitted the said contributions to the Central Organization of Trade Unions, COTU – Kenya,” the statement read in part.


“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 compliance with minimum wage and promote the general welfare of private security guards.”

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Section 9(k) of the Act requires PSRA to advance the welfare and protection of private security officers' (security guards') rights.  

The security guards' complaints regarding fund utilization and COTU's disregard for their welfare prompted this action. The Authority is looking into how COTU handled the billion-dollar contributions made by security guards. 

PSRA is committed to enforcing laws that safeguard the welfare and rights of security guards.