Towards a Collaborative Security Approach in Africa- the Implications of Arming Private Security Guards in Kenya

Abstract

Private security guards in Kenya are at frontlines whenever there is a security breach. This is because they have become the go to whenever persons and properties need protection. High crime levels and inadequate police personnel has been a contributing factor. However, these guards lack equipment that matches those of criminals and terrorists in cases of attack, which has pushed the government into planning to arm them. This study thus sought to establish the implications of arming private security guards on the security of Kenya. The study was guided by three objectives which were, to examine the extent to which the whole concept of arming private security guards can influence security in Kenya, to investigate the cost effectiveness of arming private security guards on management of security in Kenya and to establish the challenges that would arise from arming private guards in Kenya. The research was guided by Securitization theory developed by Weaver as its theoretical framework and employed the pragmatic research design as its methodology. The study found that arming Kenya‟s private security sector will to a larger extent heighten security, but only with proper planning and formulation of necessary regulations and its implementation. The study recommends that the government fast tracks the implementation of the existing regulations, and the proposed ones to the latter for its success.