Union asks employers to retain private guards

Kenya National Private Security Workers Union has prevailed upon employers in the sector to avoid laying off staff despite the coronavirus crisis.

The unions secretary General Isaac Andabwa said although the economy has been affected by the pandemic, it is untenable to sack the workforce since they have nowhere to go.

“You are aware that the Government's intention is to strive and retain jobs notwithstanding coronavirus pandemic. We therefore need to balance between Corona pandemic and the livelihood of our members (security guards ),” said Andabwa.

Andabwa's promised to have a meeting with the management of various security firms on how they will manage the situation.

According to Adabwa, some firms like Wells Fargo has already issued some of their staff with termination letters until further notice.

“ Am calling upon employers not to take the drastic decision. Most of these guys earn peanuts and any decision to sack them will result them into engaging in criminal activities,' he said.

The Government has also been on the forefront urging employers to retain their staff despite the pandemic which has brought the country to a standstill.

Some of the measures the government has taken is reduction of income tax rate (Pay-As-You-Earn) and resident income tax (corporation tax) from 30 percent to 25 percent.

Also, the state has reduced the turnover tax rate from the current three percent to one percent for all micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and appropriation of an additional Sh10 billion to the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable members of the society through cash-transfers by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

Ministries and Departments will also have to pay at least Sh13 billion of the verified pending bills.

• coronavirus spread
• Employers
• Private security companies