Hi Cyprian Nyakundi,
I read your article about Kenyan Security Companies mistreating their employees. There are several others which are extremely notorious in mistreating their employees, for example, BABS SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED.
Our Article: Slavery In Kenya: Guards In These Security Companies Are Suffering
I’ve friends who work here.
Recruitment is divided into two categories:
1st Category (Regular).
Here after presenting your documents, they give you a pair of rags as uniform you’re taken straight to an assignment which they don’t care the distance to your residence. You’re dumped there. (only USIU and some special assignments are given suits to wear). Salaries range from Ksh. 6,500 to Ksh. 15,000 (depending on the client, USIU and Weigh Bridge being the best paid).
Payment dates ranges from 7th to 31st of the new month (depending on the client) for example July’s last batch salaries were paid in September.
September’s last batch salaries were paid on October 31st. October’s first batch salaries are yet to be paid.
Those whose assignments are terminated or resigned, receive NO PAYMENT of the accrued salaries (usually 2 months) There are over 200 former employees who used to work at Mobile Phone Boosters/masts (BTI) all over Kenya. Their assignment terminated in May; they’ve never been paid April and May salaries. They are instead given bouncing cheques.
2nd Category (Coverage).
Here the ONLY qualification is: black shoes. You’re promptly issued with a new suit then taken to cover weddings, funerals, and special occasions (usually ranging from 1 day to 3 weeks).
Payments are: Ksh300 per day no matter how many hours you’ve put in (you can work for 48hrs and get paid for 24 hrs and being paid depends on your connection, many give up chasing after those wages.)
Off duties are rare, any absenteeism no matter the reason, one is penalized Ksh 1,000.
The guards don’t receive overtime, no extra pay for extra days worked.
These guards work at Pizzainn and roast houses.
This is a true slave steamship.
