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Security stewards, known as bouncers, have formed an association to champion for the welfare of it’s members across the nation.
The Aegis Stewards Association is further seeking a partnership with the government through the Ministry of Interior, to address some of the country’s security challenges.
Association’s chairman Brian Ongore said their first task will be to disassociate members from the tag bouncers and sanitise the industry.
“We first want to do away with the name bouncer because it has been associated with very bad incidents and causes. As we get rid of the name, we will be cleaning the profession,” he said.
Ongore spoke at Charter Hall in Nairobi during the association’s first board meeting on Tuesday. Security stewards and stakeholders in the sector also attended the meeting.
The primary role of a security steward is to assist with the delivery of an enjoyable and safe experience for audiences.
They help maintain high level customer care and provide practical assistance both in and outside the venue.
Ongore said the association wants to bring on board some 30,000 Kenyans who work as security stewards in various sectors of the economy.
He said members will be registered and issued with badges for identification.
“We want members who meet certain requirements. Those who are not in bad books with the police and have received basic security and life-saving training,” he said.
Sammy Okwemba a board member said the association will strive to ensure members get the respect they deserve.
He said the association will be seeking a partnership with the government, so that the rights of members and their place in the society can be properly secured.
“We provide security at events, we offer VIP protection to movie stars, tourists and dignitaries. We therefore want this industry to be respected and members remunerated well,” he added.
Ongore said the association will also work hand in hand with the Private Security Regulatory Authority.
“We want members to be trained on gun safety. Stewards need basic training on how to disarm a person causing trouble, while carrying a firearm. They need to know how to keep it safe as they wait for police to come,” he said.
The official added that the association will also be pushing for better pay for members.
“Payment is based on risk assessment and it can be Sh3,000 per day or even Sh200,000 per day for top celebrities. We do not wish our members to be paid Sh20,000 to offer services to a CEO for a whole month,” he said.