Operating in Kenya? Speak with a security consultant.
Kenya is East Africa’s commercial hub and home to a significant international business and diplomatic community. Nairobi hosts the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UNHABITAT headquarters, the African Union’s continental presence, and the regional offices of most major international organisations and multinationals operating in East Africa.
FCDO advises against essential travel to North Eastern Kenya and parts of the coast. Nairobi itself carries a high overall risk rating, primarily from terrorism (Al-Shabaab) and critical crime (OSAC rating).
PSRA: A functioning regulatory framework
Kenya is notable in the African context for having a relatively effective private security regulator. The PSRA was established in 2016 and actively licenses companies, sets training standards, and conducts inspections. This creates a more transparent market than Nigeria or South Africa, where regulatory gaps are larger.
Our Kenya operators hold current PSRA registration and have been vetted beyond the regulatory baseline.
The terrorism risk in detail
Al-Shabaab’s intent toward Nairobi is sustained and documented. The group views Kenya’s military involvement in Somalia as justification for attacks in Kenyan cities. Both the 2013 Westgate attack and 2019 DusitD2 attack were specifically targeted at venues with foreign and Western visitors.
For corporate travellers, this means that venue selection in Nairobi is a security decision, not just a logistical one.
Ground transport risks
Carjacking concentrates on Mombasa Road and Thika Road after dark. JKIA airport has specific arrival risks from unlicensed taxis. The recommended approach is pre-arranged hotel or operator transfer, vetted drivers with tracked vehicles, and daylight travel for all non-essential movements.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Kenya. For a detailed local assessment, see our Nairobi city briefing.
Cities We Cover
Nairobi
High riskEast Africa's commercial capital. Al-Shabaab terrorism, critical crime, and carjacking require professional management. Active and mature private security market.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
Section 53 of the Private Security Regulation Act 2016 bars a private security service provider from using, or allowing the use of, firearms in rendering a security service, so private security in Kenya is unarmed. Breach is an offence and leads to cancellation of the licence. Firearms are otherwise licensed by the Firearms Licensing Board under the Firearms Act (Cap 114). Proposals to allow armed guards were still pending in December 2025.
Licensing
Private security services may be offered in Kenya only under a licence from the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), established by the Private Security Regulation Act (No. 13 of 2016, sections 7 and 28). A licence lasts up to 5 years, subject to annual renewal (section 31), and applicants must pass security vetting (section 29). Ask any provider for its current PSRA licence.
Foreign Operators
A foreign company may be licensed only if it is registered under Kenyan law and has at least 25% local shareholding (section 29(2)(b)). An individual applicant must be a Kenyan citizen or ordinarily resident in Kenya (section 23(2)(a)). Visiting foreign personnel therefore work alongside a PSRA-licensed Kenyan provider. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties.
Sources, checked : Kenya Law, Private Security Regulation Act No. 13 of 2016 (revised to 31 December 2022); Kenya Law, Firearms Act Cap 114 (revised to 31 December 2022); The Star, Regulator cracks down on illegal security firms (28 March 2026); Kenya News Agency, Government urged to fast-track reforms allowing guards have firearms (22 December 2025).