Daily, all of us come across security guards almost everywhere we go. In our homes or at work, in estates we visit, in shopping malls, hospitals, places of worship and many other places.
Do you know how much they earn to ensure our security? PEANUTS.
Many security guards are attached to security agencies that we hire. Then we pay a monthly fee to the agency. If not, we pay them as independent contractors.
On average, security guards in Kenya earn between Kshs 7,000 - Kshs 12,000 per month. That, dear reader, is outrageous and illegal. The above range is inclusive of extra monies that they are owed because of working overtime hours, working on weekends, and working on public holidays without any leave.
Here is the legal breakdown of how security guards should be paid over and above their basic salaries;
- Daytime security guards are paid differently from nighttime security guards. Nighttime security guards are paid more.
- NEVER use the same security guard during the day into the night. This is highly illegal.
- All security guards should work a maximum of 8 hours per day for 6 days a week.
- All security guards working more than the normal hours are entitled to overtime- which is 1.5 times their hourly wage.
- All security guards working on rest days and public holidays are entitled to 2 times their hourly wage
- All security guards are entitled to leave with pay of 3 days per month.
- All security guards are entitled to sick leave for consecutive 12 months of work with you. This means 50 days with full pay and then 50 more days with half pay.
- Expectant female security guards are entitled to a 2-month maternity leave with full pay.
In conclusion, the next time you pass your 'soldier' in the morning as you drive to work, please remember that without them life would be quite difficult. They deserve better pay and more respect from everyone.
Also, important to note, your security guards can sue you- and yes- their payouts can be huge and debilitating. Let us do better as consumers, as employers and as human beings.
Book a consultation with us for a more detailed discussion on various employment practices and laws in Kenya.
