Critical infrastructure security and the role of private security service providers: Study of Kigali Special Economic Zone

Abstract

This study investigates the Role of Private Security Service Providers (PSSPs) in the security of Critical Infrastructures (CIs) in Kigali Special Economic Zone (KSEZ). The main objective of this study is to assess the contribution of private security service providers in securing critical infrastructures located in Kigali Special Economic Zone while specific objectives were designed in order to find out the contribution of PSSPs‟ security operational activities; patrols, static guards, access control and monitoring Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) feeds and to assess the contribution of PSSPs collaboration with other security organs in securing CIs in KSEZ. This study was used multiple stream theory and it followed a qualitative research design; interview and focus group discussion were conducted with 28 respondents selected through a purposive sampling strategy. The study findings established the contribution of PSSPs in securing CIs in KSEZ. In this regard, the study findings revealed that PSSPs use static security guards, patrols and CCTV in securing KSEZ‟s critical infrastructures. Furthermore, the study findings disclosed an effective collaboration between PSSPs and Public security organs and collaboration between PSSPs themselves. This collaboration focuses mainly on mutual security operation support, technical advice, supervision and training. However, the research findings identified some challenges obstructing PSSPs to effectively perform security operations protecting KSEZ‟s CIs. These challenges include limited capacity in terms of personnel and equipments; poor recruitment and poor quality of training of security personnel; insufficient number of female security guards during the recruitment and deployment of personnel; lack of centralized PSSPs „personnel data base, nature of the location of KSEZ and the surrounding areas. Given these challenges, the study suggested to improve PSSPs‟ personnel welfare, professionalism and to hire more female security guards; PSSPs adherence to rules and regulations, a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be set to regulate the security operational activities; to put in place a centralized PSSPs‟ personnel data base and encouraging KSEZ business operators to have minimum security equipment and transform KSEZ location into a conducive environment for environment facilitating PSSPs security operations.