SECURITY WITHINTEGRITY

KK Security

KK Security is one of the fastest growing Security Companies in Africa. Over the last decade, it has expanded geographically from its base in Kenya to become a regional force in six countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo and Burundi.

With a focus on large Agricultural, Industrial and NGO/Embassy contracts that require a dedicated management team and a motivated trained guard force, there is a reason why KK Security is the preferred supplier to many industries.

“Wherever we operate, we have a saying, ‘Service with Integrity’,” Rocky says, “For us this is much more than a by-line - it is integral to everything we do and is often a key differential between us and our competition.

“Beginning operations in Kenya in 1967, we started as a Guard Company in Mombasa and later expanded into Radio Alarms and Cash in Transit. We were bought by the current owners in 1993 and have since then expanded throughout Kenya and more recently throughout the region,” Rocky describes, “A region where, sadly, our industry is often marred by a lack of integrity.”

Indeed, KK Security specializes in providing residential and commercial security in Africa for large corporate clients who are simply tired of being neglected by their security supplier.

“Additionally we recognize that customers want a ‘hands-

Rocky Hitchcock, senior consultant for the company, joined KK Security in 1994 just after it came into new and dynamic ownership and has with other managers, been responsible for a number of heralding changes that have made the company what it is today. Daemon Sands discusses some of these implementations and how a strong philosophy has steered this company to its current success.

Rocky Hitchcock

KK Security

on’ approach from management. They want advice and recommendations, they want to reduce their dependence on manned-guarding, and they want a management team that can motivate their Guard Force through training and reward systems,” Rocky states, “We’ve built up something incredibly strong here.”

It is a firmly established mandate that for a business to offer superior services to their clients, they need to invest in superior training for their employees, KK Security is particularly well known for this which is of a far higher standard than any of their competitors.

“Security does tend to be the job for people who can’t find a job, especially in Africa and notoriously many of the companies don’t have specific training. We knew that we had to be different to maintain the standards that were required of us,” Rocky explains, “I was in the military previously and, working with an associate who was a retired UK Police Officer, we devised a training programme for our staff that was validated by SITO the Security Industry Training Organisation in the UK. This was and is, an intensive training course with a pass/fail grade.”

“I have always felt that security is not just about providing feet on the ground,” Rocky points out, “But has to be targeted at the security of the entire company.”

With this in mind KK Security offers a wide selection of services for its clients from the start. Over and above their highly commendable security force of 17000 employees, they are also moving into oil and gas security.

“Although we have training facilities at every one of

Alarm Response Team during Labour Day celebrations - 1st May, 2012

KK Security

our key offices,” Rocky explains, “the security for oil and gas rigs currently need to be trained either abroad or in Johannesburg. It becomes very expensive for companies to get trained staff due to the travelling. We are intending to provide a specialised training centre here in East Africa. With our pool of manpower, that understands training and has been vetted already and in many cases have vocational training before they joined us, we have the capacity to upskill our staff to meet the demands of the industry..”

It doesn’t end there. Understanding what goes into security KK Security have spent the time to ensure their authority in many areas cannot be disputed.

“We are certified trainers in IATA for airside security,” Rocky begins, “Offering training for ground personnel, Nairobi is after all, the airport hub of central and east Africa. In addition, we are one of the founding signatories for The International Code of Conduct of Private Security Companies (ICoC) (www.icoc-psp.org) signed in Geneva in 2010, that was aimed at legitimizing and regulating the private security sector.”

“We don’t do guns but we do do dogs!” Rocky says, “Abiding by a strict code of conduct, we are NASDU accredited, with the 600 that we train and use. Ours is a UK recognized dog training programme.”

A well-trained, properly handled dog is one of the best deterrents in Africa and KK Security have a breeding programme to raise their own German Shepherds and Rotweillers while also importing Boerboels from South Africa.

“We favour this breed because of its size, strength and fearlessness when faced with multiple intruders,” Rocky stipulates, “We also extensively train our handlers and ensure that they are matched with their dogs to develop a strong cooperative bond.”

“In addition we provide a fully conducive health and safety course,” Rocky adds, “This is becoming more important in Africa as we’re working more and more with British and American companies and have to have procedures and training in place to ensure the standards are of benefit to these companies. We aim, in the future, to train NEBOSH inspectors and have them certified to international standards,”

Their staff is given the best training available and are carefully looked after, all vehicles are tracked via satellite and are equipped to the highest standards to offer a truly robust response. State-of-the-Art Alarm equipment is installed at all their customer’s premises and receive Alarm Signal in fully equipped Control Centres. Data is recorded in the Control Centres to allow them to verify Alarm Signals and track subsequent actions taken.

A strong workforce, encompassing over 17000 highly trained employees, a sterling reputation earned from providing top end security for foreign embassies and corporate giants, a strong desire to continually expand and improve themselves against their competitors and a powerful, focus leadership obsessed with being the best. Safe to say that future clients will always feel secure with KK Security.

Canine centre vehicle

KK Security

Areas of action:

KK Security (Rwanda) SARL started operations in Kigali in 1994. It is the largest Security provider in Rwanda with offices throughout the country. Customers include the British Embassy, Bralirwa Brewery and several UN Agencies.

KK Security (Tanzania) Ltd started operating in the Mwanza area of Tanzania, specialising in Gold & Diamond Mine security in 1997. Since then it has expanded into Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and Kilombero. Clients include major sugar plantations and the US Embassy and the Container Port

KK Security (Uganda) Ltd was registered in 1995 and again specialises in large stand-alone corporate clients requiring a dedicated management and support team. Customers in Uganda include, major hotel chains, Embassies and UN Agencies

KK Security (DRC) was registered in 2001 and now has operations in the East and Central Regions of the Country. UN MONUC uses KK extensively in DR Congo.

KK Security (Burundi) SPRL was registered in June 2003 and begun full operations in May 2005. The Company offers full Guard and Alarm Response Services in Bujumbura.

Screening - Events Security Management (Safaricom 7s Rugby Tournament - Sept, 2012

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KK Securitywww.kksecurity.com+254 20 42 45 000 Written by Jack Slater