Eldoret Court to Decide on Minimum Wage Implementation for Security GuardsStorms Ravage Homes in Oshikoto and Ohangwena, Leaving Residents in Need

ELDORET, Kenya — A crucial ruling on the enforcement of a government-directed minimum wage for private security guards is expected to be delivered by the Eldoret High Court on Tuesday. Justice Reuben Nyakundi will determine whether private security companies must adhere to the new wage regulations as stipulated in legal notice PSRA/005/2023, amid an ongoing legal challenge from the industry.

According to Kenya News Agency, the dispute centers around the Private Security Regulatory Authority’s (PSRA) directive, issued by Director General Fazul Mohamed, which mandates increased pay for security guards. Private security firms have sought judicial intervention, requesting a temporary suspension of the wage increase through conservatory orders until the case is fully heard and decided.

The legal battle has seen the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Attorney General, and the PSRA Director General named as respondents. Justice Nyakundi emphasized the importance of fairness in the proceedings, urging all parties to present their cases at the next week’s status conference scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Represented by lawyer Kevin Kimaru, the security companies have argued that the enforced wage hike could precipitate a crisis within the industry, which is already grappling with economic difficulties. The plea to the court was to maintain the status quo to prevent potential collapse of the sector.

This legal contest follows a recent action by the PSRA, which deregistered nine security companies for failing to comply with the minimum wage directive, setting a precedent that has alarmed the wider industry. The deregistration affected firms such as Victory Protective Services Africa Limited, Bedrock Security Services, and several others, highlighting the PSRA’s commitment to enforcing its wage regulations.

The outcome of Tuesday’s ruling could have significant implications for the private security sector, potentially setting a benchmark for labor standards and regulatory compliance within the industry.

OSHAKATI — Residents of the Oshikoto and Ohangwena regions are grappling with the aftermath of severe rainstorms that devastated their communities on Saturday evening.

According to Namibia Press Agency, who spoke on Sunday, the storms, marked by intense rain and wind, dismantled approximately 200 houses in Onepandaulo village, Ohangwena region, stripping most structures of their roofs. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Shifidi elaborated that those affected are urgently in need of support, with plans to seek guidance from the regional governor’s office on how to proceed. He acknowledged the lack of funds to directly assist the impacted communities but committed to conducting a comprehensive assessment and collaborating with the governor’s office for further aid.

In the Oshikoto region, Iikokola village headman I-Ben Nashandi reported similar destruction, with homes, schools, and trees uprooted by the storm, leaving many in dire need. The extent of the damage to houses remains to be fully assessed. Nashandi urged residents to avoid damaged electrical infrastructure to prevent accidents and emphasized the community’s need for immediate assistance in rebuilding efforts.

Both officials have called on the wider community for support in the reconstruction process, highlighting the extensive damage and the urgent need for assistance among the affected residents.