Kenya’s private security industry is being transformed by a guard-hailing app that eliminates traditional firms as middlemen. Created by Fazul Mahamed, this app links clients directly to security personnel, ensuring fair wages and accountability. It aims to reduce costs, enhance job satisfaction for guards, and increase operational efficiency, potentially revolutionizing the sector and setting a global standard.
The private security sector in Kenya is undergoing significant changes with the launch of a guard-hailing app designed to eliminate traditional security firms as intermediaries. This innovative application aims to establish a direct connection between security guards and clients, promoting fair wages and enhanced accountability. The sector has long been criticized for systemic issues, including the exploitation of security personnel through low wages and inflated client costs due to the presence of unnecessary middlemen.
Fazul Mahamed, the outgoing Director General of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PRSA) and the visionary behind the app, emphasizes that the platform will allow clients to hire security personnel directly through a digital framework. This approach is expected to reduce administrative expenses while ensuring just compensation for guards. The phased rollout of the app is planned to adhere to regulatory standards, with expectations of onboarding over 1.3 million guards once full implementation occurs.
Mahamed asserts, “Kenya will be the first country in the world to implement this kind of large-scale disruption in private security.” He acknowledges the previous attempts in other nations to digitize security services but highlights that none have succeeded in eliminating the role of security firms in this manner. The application draws parallels to popular service models like ride-hailing apps and Airbnb, which have minimized middlemen, lowered costs, and fostered direct communication between service providers and clients.
By removing intermediaries, clients will no longer face inflated costs due to administrative fees. Additionally, they will have the flexibility to hire security personnel tailored to their specific requirements, whether for short-term or ongoing needs, without being bound by rigid contracts. The platform also empowers guards by allowing them to select their preferred jobs, work hours, and time off, which could enhance job satisfaction and productivity.
The app includes an emergency response feature designed to send assistance based on proximity rather than company affiliation, ultimately improving response times and safety measures. Moreover, the digitization of payment processes is anticipated to combat tax evasion, which has cost the government over Ksh 14 billion annually. With this system, transactional transparency is established, benefiting both security professionals and the government.
Following each job, clients will have the opportunity to rate security guards, with underperforming individuals flagged for retraining or removal from the platform. With 800,000 guards already onboarded, projections indicate even higher numbers in the near future.
In summary, Kenya’s private security industry is experiencing transformative changes due to the introduction of a disruptive guard-hailing app. This platform is designed to eliminate traditional security firms as intermediaries, allowing for direct interactions between clients and security personnel. Moreover, it aims to rectify systemic issues within the sector by ensuring fair wages, increasing accountability, and promoting transparency amidst significant tax evasion challenges. Ultimately, this initiative could revolutionize the security landscape in Kenya and set a precedent for similar advancements globally.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
