Gov't to conduct nationwide vetting, licensing of bouncers

The government has begun a mandatory nationwide security vetting, training and licensing of all private security personnel including bouncers, bodyguards, event stewards, crowd control security personnel among others.

In a notice dated January 8, 2024, the Private Security Regulatory Authority CEO Fazul Mahamed said no person shall be allowed to engage in the provision of private security services unless they have been security vetted, registered and licensed.

“In view of the foregoing, the Government has commenced the mandatory nationwide security vetting, training and licensing of all bouncers, bodyguards, event stewards, door supervisors, event security, VIP protection, close protection, and crowd control security personnel,” said Mahamed.

He added: “In this regard, the Authority has organized a sensitization forum at the Sarova Stanley Hotel on Wednesday, 17th January 2024 at 8:30 A.M. The forum is free of charge, however for ease of planning you are required to confirm your attendance through our email.”

The move comes following an incident where journalists and officers from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA were assaulted during a raid at Kettle House Bar and Grill in Lavington, Nairobi.

NACADA had conducted the sting operation to curb shisha smoking at the popular entertainment joint.

A police report documenting the incident says that during the operation, bouncers and revellers employed physical force to prevent NACADA officials, police and journalists from overseeing the operation.

At least 21 suspects have since been arrested in connection with the incident.