LISTED AS KEY ESSENTIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS – ” WITH NOTHING TO SMILE ABOUT”
Guards complement government uniformed security agencies in provision of security and safety to property and life.
In Kisii town, Good Morning Kenya, caught up with Nancy Odhiambo a G4S gaurdett and Union representative and this is what she said;
Private Security Officers popularly referred to us “ Watchees” are crying out for intervention during this Covid-19 pandemic.
From March this year when the first Covid-19 case was reported in Kenya, the Government imposed a set of restrictions and guidelines among them cessations, lockdowns and curfews.
“ This Covid-19 pandemic has subjected us ( private security officers) to untold sufferings. From March this year, we have continued to provide service despite the Corona virus pandemic spread and related challenges”
“ We are in the forefront, interacting with many people daily at our duty stations, estates and remain very vulnerable to the virus. Now, we have assumed the duties and roles of “Madaktari” , by being the first persons to take temperatures and offer triage services to any one accessing banks, hospitals, hotels, Government buildings, Malls etc ” – This are added roles to us.
“ Amid the pandemic, majority of the private security officers have been forced to take-up unpaid leaves and subsequent redundancies. We have needs to fulfil, we have families and dependants to take- care off ? How then do you expect us to survive surely ?” Supposed Nancy ?
“ Why are we being treated as second class human- beings ? The Government has recognized Health Service providers( Doctors, Nurses, Community health care personnel, morgue attendants ) as being in the forefront in the fight against Corona. Why neglect guards?”
“We need to be cushioned just like the Health service providers, We need to be protected, majority of us and it is practical are operating with one mask all through. Collectively through Government, our employers, current key stakeholders helping to fight the spread of the virus and the Union, it is high time and late like yesterday : If we are to win this fight, the role of guards/guardettes should not be undermined or neglected: We need PPE’s, Sanitizers, Soap and above All token motivation and capacity building to the private security officers.”
“Just like other sectors have been cushioned, the Government should take Note, we are essential service providers and at this time we need more and more Guards/ Guardettes. Private Security Companies Must be equally cushioned so as not to lay-off employees in the name of Corona virus effects”
