Last updated on October 1st, 2023 at 11:54 pm
Security is one of the most important aspects of any organization, especially in a country like Kenya where there are various threats and challenges.
A security manager is responsible for overseeing the security operations of an organization, ensuring that the assets, personnel, and information are protected from any harm.
A security manager also plans, implements, and monitors the security policies and procedures of the organization, as well as coordinates with external stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and security service providers.
If you are interested in becoming a security manager in Kenya, or if you want to learn more about this career, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.
In this guide, we will cover:
- How to become a security manager in Kenya
- Roles and responsibilities of a security manager in Kenya
- Qualifications and requirements for a security manager in Kenya
- Benefits and challenges of being a security manager in Kenya
- Salaries and allowances of security managers in Kenya
- Other careers related to security manager
- Where can security managers work in Kenya
How to Become a Security Manager in Kenya
To become a security manager in Kenya, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Get a relevant education
The minimum requirement for becoming a security manager in Kenya is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as security management, criminology, law, or business administration.
However, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or a professional certification in security management.
Some of the courses you may need to take include:
- Security risk assessment and management
- Security systems and technology
- Security laws and regulations
- Security planning and budgeting
- Security leadership and communication
- Security ethics and professionalism
Step 2: Gain relevant experience
To become a security manager in Kenya, you need to have at least five years of experience in the security field, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role. You can gain this experience by working in various sectors such as:
- Private security companies
- Government agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Corporate organizations
- Educational institutions
- Hospitality industry
Some of the skills and competencies you need to develop include:
- Security analysis and problem-solving
- Security awareness and training
- Security auditing and reporting
- Security incident response and investigation
- Security coordination and collaboration
- Security innovation and improvement
Step 3: Apply for security manager jobs
Once you have the required education and experience, you can start looking for security manager jobs in Kenya. You can use various platforms such as:
- Online job portals such as [Careerjet], [MyJobMag], or [The Star]
- Newspapers and magazines such as [Daily Nation], [The Standard], or [Business Daily]
- Professional networks and associations such as [Kenya Association of Private Security Providers (KAPSP)], [Kenya Institute of Professional Security (KIPS)], or [Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)]
- Personal contacts and referrals from friends, colleagues, or mentors
When applying for security manager jobs, you need to have a well-written resume and cover letter that highlight your qualifications, achievements, and skills.
You also need to prepare for the interview process, which may involve:
- Written tests on security knowledge and aptitude
- Oral interviews on security scenarios and case studies
- Practical tests on security equipment and systems
- Background checks on your criminal record and references
Step 4: Advance your career
As a security manager in Kenya, you can advance your career by pursuing further education, obtaining additional certifications, or seeking higher positions. Some of the options you can consider include:
- Pursuing a doctoral degree in security management or a related field
- Obtaining an international certification such as [Certified Protection Professional (CPP)], [Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)], or [Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)]
- Seeking senior positions such as regional security manager, director of security, or chief security officer
- Starting your own security consultancy or company
Roles and Responsibilities of a Security Manager in Kenya
A security manager in Kenya has various roles and responsibilities depending on the type and size of the organization they work for. However, some of the common roles and responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing the security strategy, policies, procedures, and standards of the organization
- Conducting regular security risk assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities
- Managing the budget, resources, equipment, and personnel of the security department or function
- Providing training, guidance, supervision, and evaluation to the security staff and contractors
- Establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with internal and external stakeholders such as senior management, employees, customers, suppliers, law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and security service providers
- Responding to and investigating any security incidents, breaches, or emergencies that may occur
- Preparing and presenting security reports, recommendations, and action plans to the relevant authorities
- Keeping abreast of the latest security trends, technologies, best practices, and regulations
Qualifications and Requirements for a Security Manager in Kenya
To become a security manager in Kenya, you need to meet certain qualifications and requirements that may vary depending on the employer and the industry.
However, some of the common qualifications and requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree in security management, criminology, law, or business administration
- At least five years of experience in the security field, preferably in a supervisory or managerial role
- A valid security license issued by the [Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA)] of Kenya
- A clean criminal record and a certificate of good conduct from the [Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)] of Kenya
- A certificate of clearance from the [Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)] of Kenya
- A certificate of tax compliance from the [Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)] of Kenya
- A certificate of registration from the [National Social Security Fund (NSSF)] and the [National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)] of Kenya
- A professional certification in security management such as CPP, CISSP, or CFE
- Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in computer applications and security systems
- Knowledge of security laws and regulations in Kenya and internationally
- Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations
Benefits and Challenges of Being a Security Manager in Kenya
Being a security manager in Kenya has its benefits and challenges. Some of the benefits include:
- Having a rewarding and fulfilling career that contributes to the safety and well-being of people and organizations
- Having a high level of responsibility and authority that allows you to make strategic decisions and influence outcomes
- Having a diverse and dynamic work environment that exposes you to different sectors, industries, cultures, and situations
- Having an opportunity to learn new skills, technologies, best practices, and regulations in the security field
- Having a competitive salary and allowances that reflect your qualifications, experience, and performance
Some of the challenges include:
- Facing various risks and threats that may endanger your life or health
- Dealing with complex and sensitive issues that may involve ethical dilemmas or legal implications
- Managing multiple tasks and priorities that may require long hours and frequent travel
- Handling difficult people and situations that may cause stress or conflict
- Coping with constant changes and uncertainties in the security environment
Salaries and Allowances of Security Managers in Kenya
The salaries and allowances of security managers in Kenya depend on various factors such as the type and size of the organization, the industry, the location, the qualifications, the experience, and the performance of the individual. However, according to [Payscale], the average salary for a security manager in Kenya is KES 1,500,000 per year as of September 2023. The table below shows some examples of salaries for security managers in different sectors in Kenya:
| Sector | Salary |
|---|---|
| Private Security Company | KES 1,200,000 – KES 2,400,000 |
| Government Agency | KES 1,800,000 – KES 3,600,000 |
| Non-Governmental Organization | KES 2,400,000 – KES 4,800,000 |
| Corporate Organization | KES 3,000,000 – KES 6,000,000 |
| Educational Institution | KES 1,500,000 – KES 3,000,000 |
| Hospitality Industry | KES 1,200,000 – KES 2,4000 |
Apart from the salary, security managers in Kenya may also receive various allowances such as:
- Housing allowance
- Transport allowance
- Medical allowance
- Risk allowance
- Hardship allowance
- Leave allowance
Other Careers Related to Security Manager
If you are interested in other careers related to security management in Kenya, here are some options you can consider:
Security Officer
A security officer is responsible for providing physical security to an organization’s premises, assets, personnel, and visitors. A security officer performs duties such as:
- Patrolling and monitoring the assigned areas
- Controlling access and verifying identities
- Enforcing security rules and regulations
- Detecting and reporting any suspicious or illegal activities
- Responding to and assisting in any security incidents or emergencies
To become a security officer in Kenya, you need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. You also need to have a valid security license issued by the PSRA. You may also need to have some training or certification in areas such as:
- First aid and CPR
- Fire safety and prevention
- Self-defense and martial arts
- Weapon handling and use
The average salary for a security officer in Kenya is KES 300,000 per year as of September 2023.
Security Consultant
A security consultant is responsible for providing security advice and solutions to an organization or a client. A security consultant performs duties such as:
- Conducting security audits and assessments to identify and evaluate the security risks and needs of the organization or the client
- Designing and implementing security systems and solutions that meet the security objectives and standards of the organization or the client
- Providing security training and awareness to the staff and stakeholders of the organization or the client
- Evaluating and testing the effectiveness and efficiency of the security systems and solutions
- Recommending and implementing security improvements and enhancements
To become a security consultant in Kenya, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in security management, criminology, law, or business administration.
You also need to have at least three years of experience in the security field, preferably in a consulting role. You may also need to have a professional certification in security management such as CPP, CISSP, or CFE.
The average salary for a security consultant in Kenya is KES 2,000,000 per year as of September 2023.
Security Analyst
A security analyst is responsible for providing security analysis and intelligence to an organization or a client. A security analyst performs duties such as:
- Collecting and processing security data and information from various sources such as reports, databases, media, the internet, etc.
- Analyzing and interpreting the security data and information to identify and understand the security trends, patterns, threats, and opportunities
- Producing and disseminating security reports, forecasts, alerts, and recommendations to the relevant authorities
- Supporting the decision-making and planning processes of the organization or the client based on security analysis and intelligence
- Developing and maintaining security databases, tools, models, and methods
To become a security analyst in Kenya, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in security management, criminology, law, or business administration. You also need to have at least two years of experience in the security field, preferably in an analytical role. You may also need to have a professional certification in security management such as CPP, CISSP, or CFE.
The average salary for a security analyst in Kenya is KES 1,800,000 per year as of September 2023.
Where Can Security Managers Work in Kenya
Security managers can work in various sectors and industries in Kenya that require security services such as:
- Private security companies that provide security solutions to various clients such as individuals, businesses, organizations, etc.
- Government agencies that are responsible for maintaining law and order, national defense, public safety, etc.
- Non-governmental organizations that are involved in humanitarian, development, advocacy, etc. activities that may expose them to security risks
- Corporate organizations that operate in various fields such as banking, manufacturing, telecommunications, etc. need to protect their assets, personnel, information, etc.
- Educational institutions that offer academic programs and research activities that may require security measures
- Hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants, resorts, etc. that need to ensure the safety and comfort of their guests and staff
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions related to security managers in Kenya:
What are the skills needed for a security manager in Kenya?
Some of the skills needed for a security manager in Kenya include:
- Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with different audiences such as senior management, employees, customers, suppliers, law enforcement agencies, government authorities, and security service providers
- Leadership skills: The ability to lead, motivate, supervise, and evaluate the performance of the security staff and contractors
- Analytical skills: The ability to analyze and evaluate the security risks and needs of the organization or the client
- Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify and resolve any security issues or challenges that may arise
- Innovation skills: The ability to develop and implement new or improved security systems and solutions
What are the challenges faced by a security manager in Kenya?
Some of the challenges faced by a security manager in Kenya include:
- Dealing with various threats and challenges such as terrorism, crime, civil unrest, natural disasters, cyberattacks, etc. that may affect the security of the organization or the client
- Managing the limited resources, equipment, and personnel of the security department or function
- Complying with the complex and changing security laws and regulations in Kenya and internationally
- Balancing the security needs and interests of the organization or the client with the rights and freedoms of the people and the society
- Maintaining the professional standards and ethics of the security field
What are the benefits of being a security manager in Kenya?
Some of the benefits of being a security manager in Kenya include:
- Having a rewarding and fulfilling career that contributes to the safety and well-being of people and organizations
- Having a high level of responsibility and authority that allows you to make strategic decisions and influence outcomes
- Having a diverse and dynamic work environment that exposes you to different sectors, industries, cultures, and situations
- Having an opportunity to learn new skills, technologies, best practices, and regulations in the security field
- Having a competitive salary and allowances that reflect your qualifications, experience, and performance
How can I improve my skills as a security manager in Kenya?
Some of the ways you can improve your skills as a security manager in Kenya include:
- Pursuing further education or obtaining additional certifications in security management or a related field
- Attending seminars, workshops, conferences, or online courses on security topics and issues
- Reading books, journals, magazines, blogs, or newsletters on security trends and best practices
- Joining professional networks and associations related to security management such as KAPSP, KIPS, or ACFE
- Seeking mentorship or coaching from experienced or senior security managers
Bizhack Kenya Also wrote an informative article about Security Guards in Kenya their roles and Salaries if you are still curious to learn more.