Ruto Reappoints Former Nyeri Police Commander Adiel Nyange to Head Private Security Regulatory Authority
President William Ruto has officially reappointed Adiel Nyange as the chairperson of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) board.
This decision was announced through a gazette notice dated Friday, February 7, 2025. Nyange, who previously served as the Nyeri County Police Commander, will now hold the position for a three-year term.
In the notice, Ruto exercised his authority under Section 11(1)(a) of the Private Security Regulation Act, confirming Nyange’s return to the role.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 11(1)(a) of the Private Security Regulation Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint Adiel Nyange to be the Chairperson of the Private Security Regulatory Authority, for a period of three (3) years, with effect from the 7th of February, 2025,” the notice stated.
This appointment marks Nyange’s return to the leadership of PSRA, as he had briefly served in the same capacity before, following the removal of former chairperson Stephen Ng’ang’a.
His reappointment comes at a time when PSRA has been at the center of discussions regarding major reforms in the private security sector, particularly concerning a proposal that could see security guards given more authority.
Strengthening Private Security and Introducing Firearm Use
One of the key proposals under discussion at PSRA involves arming private security guards tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and high-risk areas.
This move aims to reduce the burden on the police force by equipping private security personnel with the necessary tools to handle security threats effectively.
If implemented, these regulations would allow security guards assigned to sensitive locations—such as government institutions, shopping malls, areas with heavy human traffic, maritime security zones, and cash-in-transit operations—to be armed for enhanced protection.
The proposal is part of the Private Security Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024, which outlines strict guidelines for issuing and using firearms in private security operations.
Addressing Private Security Industry Challenges
Beyond regulatory changes, Nyange is also expected to address long-standing concerns within the private security industry, particularly the issue of fair wages for security guards.
Many private security firms have been accused of underpaying their employees despite collecting substantial fees from clients.
In June 2024, former PSRA chair Fazul Mahamed issued a directive requiring all private security companies to pay their guards a minimum wage of Ksh30,000 per month.
He gave firms a seven-day deadline to comply, warning that failure to adhere to this requirement would lead to the revocation of their licenses.
However, months later, security guards continued to struggle with low wages, prompting the Private Security Guards Union (PSGU) to write to President Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
PSGU Secretary General Isaac Andabwa raised concerns that many security firms were failing to comply with the minimum wage directive, leaving guards vulnerable to exploitation despite the government’s intervention.
With his background in law enforcement, Nyange is expected to bring strong leadership to the PSRA and ensure that the private security sector operates efficiently.
His focus will likely be on enforcing industry regulations, ensuring fair treatment of security personnel, and implementing reforms to strengthen the role of private security in Kenya.
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