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The Private security industry is one of the largest industries in Kenya employing millions of Kenyans as private security officers. Besides being one of the oldest professions in the country, there has never been a standard curriculum for training officers.
In 2016, the Private Security Regulation Act was ascended into law. This development aims at professionalizing private security by having a national standardized curriculum and career progression framework.
Private security officers are the first line of defense of our nation. The recent changes in security training will serve to ensure, the nation produces private security officers who can provide their services both locally and internationally with the highest possible level of professionalism.
Do you wish to join the industry? Here is what it takes to be one:
Training
To be a private security officer, one will have to undergo a private security officer level one course. This is an 18-unit program course scheduled to run for 330 hours. This training aims at imparting skills, knowledge, and attitudes to trainees intending to become professional private security officers and trainers.
Entry Requirements
1. Trainee
For one to be a trainee, he/she MUST BE:
- A Kenyan citizen.
- 18 years and above.
- Able to read and write English.
- Physically and mentally fit.
- Having a valid police clearance certificate.
2. Trainer/Instructor
The minimum requirements for the instructor of a private security officer level 1 course are as follows:
- A Kenyan citizen.
- 18 years and above.
- Able to read and write English.
- Physically and mentally fit.
- Having a valid police clearance certificate.
- Has 6 years of proven experience in the private security industry?
- Has done private security officer level 1 Training of Trainers (ToT) Course.
3. Trainer/Instructor from National Security Agencies
These are those who served in the Military, National Police Service, and National Intelligence Service. For them to be considered they MUST BE:
- A Kenyan citizen.
- 18 years and above.
- Able to read and write English.
- Physically and mentally fit.
- Having a valid police clearance certificate.
- Having an Honourable letter of discharge from the national security organ.
- Has at least 1 year of proven experience in the private security industry.
- Has done private security officer level 1 Training of Trainers (ToT) Course.
Read also: List of Licensed Private Security Firms in Kenya 2023!
Mode of Training
The training can have a pattern of attendance either full-time, part-time, or block release.
Assessment Criteria
Candidates enrolled for the course must meet the following assessment criteria for eligibility for certification:
- 100% attendance requirement.
- Allocation of marks; 70% Theory, 30% practical.
- Marks obtained shall be graded as follows:
- Pass mark 60%
- Re-sit 59% – 40% (On a specific unit that is below the pass mark)
- Retake – 39% and below ( entire course)
Instructor-Student Ratio
It’s recommended that the Instructor to student ratio be 1/32 for a training program to ensure the quality of instruction for the student.
Read: Guards approved to carry guns
Training Content and Programme Length
The Private Security Officer level 1 entry course is a 330-hour programme. Of these hours, 160 will be spent on attachment in the Private security industry. The annual continuous refresher course for the level 1 course is 40 hours. Both programs incorporate Emergency Level First Aid Certification by either The Kenya Red Cross or St John’s Ambulance.
Click here to download the training manual
