Security firms' operations 'ungoverned'

The government is yet to formulate a security and defense policy which would oversee operations of security companies in the country.

According to Tanzania Security Industry Association (TSIA), private security companies have been operating under no laws, guidelines or regulations, something that is contrary to the country’s constitution of 1977.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TSIA Chairman, Almas Maige said security companies were established without official documents including Government Notice.

Maige was briefing reporters on TSIA general meeting slated for November 26 and 27 in Dodoma.

The lack of regulations is considered a major cause for poor performance by most security firms compared to international standards.

He noted that there are about 800 private security companies operating in the country, providing more than 2 million employments.

He said the recent discovery of oil and gas in the country provides abundant business opportunities for the security sector but according to the Oil and Gas Field Protection Forces, Tanzanian companies do not qualify to provide security services to such sites thus leaving the opportunity to international
companies.

“The lack of guidelines has made it impossible for local security companies to compete with international firms, thus leaving the opportunity to foreign companies,” he said.

“Since their establishment in the past 35 years, security companies have been operating without laws or regulations to guide them,” he added.
Maige said in order for the sector to operate successfully and compete with international security firms,  there is a need to establish a Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority which will oversee all operations of private-owned security companies.

In addition, he said among the challenges facing the sector are low capital and the lack of a harmonized training system and uniforms which could be used by all companies.

He said security companies face difficulties when applying for loans in banks especially the high interest rate of 25 percent compared to foreign security companies operating in the country, as they can access loans from their banks at an interest of between 1 and 3 percent.

Furthermore, Maige said Article 274 of the proposed constitution offers opportunity for the establishment of private security companies whereby the National Assembly will enact laws to allow the formation of these companies.

When reached for explanations, Home Affairs Spokesperson, Isaac Nantanga said security companies have been registered at the Business Registrations and licensing Agency (BRELA) and they are also recognized by the government through the ministry Home Affairs where they are scrutinized.

He said though the security firms are now operating as private companies, their activities are being monitored by the ministry of Home Affairs.

“The government is now working on coming up with a security and defense policy which among other things will govern the operations of security companies,” Nantanga added.