State, private sector reach deal on security of events

Speaking at a meeting between the Ministry of Interior and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) at Harambee House, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo and the lobby’s Security Board Chairperson, Annette Kimitei, said conference tourism and events were vital to the country’s economy, and that the security and safety of participants were critical.

The KEPSA team, including the Events Managers Association of Kenya (EMAK) and the Bouncers Association of Kenya, engaged the Principal Secretary to discuss the security of businesses, conferences, and events. The two teams later issued a joint statement on a partnership aimed at improving security management during key events.

Under the leadership of the Internal Security Principal Administrative Secretary, a multi-stakeholder working group will be constituted to develop a national event safety and security framework and establish safety standards for various events.

The working group will also improve security coordination, led by the PSRA, among all event stakeholders, including the police, emergency services, and private security officers, as well as strengthen risk assessment and disaster preparedness protocols.

“Tourism and events are a vital part of the economy. From international sporting tournaments and concerts to political gatherings, conferences, and community celebrations, events create jobs, attract visitors, and support thousands of businesses,” they said.

“The new initiative will involve government agencies, private security providers, event managers, sports organizations, and industry associations to ensure events are safe, well-coordinated, and professionally managed.”

The proposed framework will serve as a practical guide for event planners, security firms, venues, and public authorities. It will outline minimum standards for crowd management, medical preparedness, fire safety, counter-terrorism coordination, and post-event reporting.

Stakeholders said they were concerned that security was often treated as an afterthought in event planning. Under the new approach, security planning will be given priority.

It was also agreed that large-scale gatherings would require formal risk assessments before approval. Organizers will be expected to demonstrate coordination with police, ambulance services, and fire departments.