A union representing private security guards has appealed for inclusion in the reforms suggested by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
While expressing support for BBI, the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) said that its members feel left out.
In a meeting at a Nairobi hotel, KNPSWU National Secretary-General Isaac Andabwa said members feel sidelined in the BBI report.
“We want the BBI to address common citizens as well, not just the upper class,” said Mr Andabwa.
UNITE KENYANS
He emphasised the need for unity in the BBI debate in order to help the country move forward.
“Do not use the BBI to divide Kenyans, let the handshake mentality prevail in a bid to unite Kenyans.”
The union proposes that there be a permanent secretary in government to represent private security guards.
“You cannot underrate 700,000 people (security guards) in a country. We need to be respected as in other countries,” said Mr Andabwa.
The union has also called for a review of the minimum wage through the BBI forums.
NOT APPRECIATED
Mr Andabwa said security guards in Kenya do not feel appreciated when they put their lives at risk in the line of duty and want this addressed through the BBI.
“Our personnel are never compensated when a terrorist attack happens. We appeal to the government to give us life insurance cover,” said Mr Andabwa.
On the Big Four agenda, the union has called for inclusion in the government housing plan which has been rolled out.
“Most of us live in mud houses yet there is a housing project by the government. We want to have a feel of stone-walled houses as well,” Mr Andabwa says.