The government has taken decisive action on Monday to address the escalating number of murder cases involving women in rental apartments, lodgings, and accommodation facilities.
The government’s reaction came in response to public and leadership calls for intervention. Kenya has seen a tragic January where socialite Starlet Wahu was stabbed in a South B Air BnB.
Days later, an unidentified woman was butchered and her body chopped into pieces and stuffed in paper bags in Roysambu.
Seven guidelines issued
As a result of the tragic incidents, the government has now issued seven guidelines hoping to curb this distressing trend. The regulations were issued through a press release dated January 15, given by Private Security Regulatory Authority Director General, Fazul Mahamed
“In response to the alarming increase in reported criminal activities, including cases of murder in accommodation spaces, the Authority hereby issues the following directive aimed at addressing the emerging trends of insecurity to deter criminal activities within these premises and to further safeguard the safety of residents and guests,” Mahamed declared.
In the guidelines, all private security service providers, security guards, or security officers must now acquire the Identification Card of any visitor seeking access to such premises.
Furthermore, guards are instructed to record the time of entry and exit of the person.
Mahamed emphasized that security providers should also maintain an accurate log of all vehicles entering and leaving the facilities.
Up-to-date CCTV cameras
As part of the government’s multifaceted approach, security providers are directed to ensure functional and up-to-date CCTV cameras within the premises.
Additionally, security guards must adhere to an updated access control policy, with a copy displayed at the entry and exit points of the guarded premises.
Mahamed further instructed security personnel to maintain an occurrence book, recording daily significant events related to the safety of residents and their guests.
The Director General clarified that IDs should be surrendered and returned at the gate, cautioning against misuse under penalty of law.
“Any security service provider who violates this commits an offense and shall, in addition to the cancellation of the license, be liable on conviction to the penalty prescribed under the aforementioned Act or any other written law, whichever is higher,” he warned.
