Two local security companies, KK Security and Agespro are in the process of rebranding to GardaWorld, after the latter acquired the two firms. GardaWorld is a global security company headquartered in Canada with presence in over 20 countries across the world. The firm acquired KK Security in 2016 and Agespro in 2020 but the firms remained trading under their respective brand names. KK Security Ltd which is among the top local security firms in the country by market share, provides manned guarding services, canine security, facilities management, cash management among other services. Agespro on the other hand has about 20 years of experience in the local scene with a growing market share. William Gichohi of KK Security told The New Times that with the merger and under the new brand, they will be among top firms with regard to market share. As a subsidiary of a global firm, he said that the firm will be able to leverage global expertise, skills and capacities and thus boost local capacities. He added that the adjustments are also a response to market demand by clients who are increasingly seeking services beyond traditional offerings. The development comes at a time when the security sector is set to undergo changes and transformation following a new law passed by parliament last year. The new law seeks to weed out security companies that are deemed unprofessional and unable to invest the resources required to provide services considered to be of high standard. Among the changes is that investors of private security companies will be required to prove their wealth is equal or more than the amount set to be determined by the state, through a Ministerial Order. Members of Parliament also proposed any individual interested in establishing a private security company must have at least Rwf700m as value in assets. At least Rwf200 million of that value is supposed to be cash deposited in a local bank. Other notable requirements include that prior to training of new recruits, the security companies will be required to submit their identities to the Rwanda National Police for background checks. According to the new law a security guard who completes initial security training is awarded a certificate by the Rwanda National Police. This certificate can be presented to any private security service company in case one is seeking a job. Under the new law, other private security companies may be granted the license to have armed guards which will see more firms acquire guns. Only one private security company, ISCO, had the license to arm its guards with guns. The new law recommends that the National Police sign contracts with private security companies to hire out or purchase arms on their behalf.
