INFLUENCE OF PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS' WORK-RELATED FACTORS ON THEIR SECURITY SERVICES PROVISION IN EMBAKASI SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Private security guards play a fundamental role in security provision, supplementing police services in residential areas, industries, and government and private establishments. Despite their importance, the literature indicates that inadequate training, poor management practices, and insufficient welfare programs undermine their effectiveness. This study investigated the factors affecting private security guards’ security services provision in Embakasi SubCounty, Kenya, focusing on working conditions, training, and staff development programs. Anchored in the Two-Factor Theory, the study employed a survey research design, utilizing cluster and convenience sampling to select 291 respondents from a target population of 1,200. Data collection methods included questionnaires and key informant interviews, with analysis incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that security companies often fail to provide guards with the necessary equipment (55%), and inferential analysis confirmed a statistically significant association between equipment possession and service quality (χ² = 4.82, p = 0.028). Management practices were found to negatively affect security services delivery (58%), with t-test results showing a significant difference in service quality based on guards’ perceptions of management impact (t = -2.15, p = 0.032). Regarding training, 65% of respondents lacked formal security training, relying instead on on-the-job learning (52%). Inferential statistics revealed a statistically significant association between basic security training and service quality (χ² = 6.82, p = 0.009), as well as professional development programs (χ² = 6.25, p = 0.012) and equipment handling training (χ² = 5.25, p = 0.022). In terms of staff development programs, the study found that most security companies lacked loan schemes (63%), social welfare programs (72%), and education support for guards’ children (87%). However, the revised inferential analysis revealed statistically significant associations between social welfare programs (χ² = 4.52, p = 0.034) and education bursaries (χ² = 5.21, p = 0.023) and service quality. The study recommends that security companies prioritize equipment provision, standardized training frameworks, and welfare initiatives such as healthcare and education support. These findings underscore the importance of addressing working conditions, training, and welfare to enhance security services delivery while highlighting the need for policy reforms to institutionalize professional development programs.