Efficacy of Regulatory Framework Pertaining to Private Security Industry in Tanzania.

Sambu, Eric Kibet (2023) Efficacy of Regulatory Framework Pertaining to Private Security Industry in Tanzania. Doctoral thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

Tanzania has a vibrant private security sector, but other than a mention in the wage order and supervised by police, the law has not fully recognised it. This study sought to assess the efficacy of its regulatory framework, which covered state-led regulation, self regulation through trade associations, voluntary regulations through international standards certifications and the role of consumers in enforcing compliance. The study applied the Institutional Theory in analysing the regulation of private security companies (PSCs). It also applied Hirschman‘s 1970 treatise of choice, loyalty and exit, to examine consumer behaviour when handling the PSCs. The study adopted qualitative approach, with primary and secondary data collected through documentary research and interviews. PSCs directors, police officers manning the PSC desk, and directors managing database were selected using convenient and purposive sampling techniques. The findings of the study revealed that even though the state-led regulations are scattered, they have been working well to regulate the sector. There are various taxes, and levies which the PSCs indicated as impeding the operations. The trade associations were seen to be ‗clubs‘ due to lack of democracy and transparency in their operations and lack of systems to oversee the sector. The international standards were seen as expensive to get certified on, and yet rarely do customers ask for them. Overall, customers play a critical role in enforcing the standards. However, there are competing priorities that impede the effectiveness of this. The study concluded that implementing regulations is a challenge. According to respondents, TPF appears to be under resourced, trade associations are weak, international certifications are expensive to implement and maintain certification, and customers‘ level of awareness of the regulatory mechanisms is low. The study recommends setting up of a regulatory authority, more training of PSC directors of various regulations and standards, lowering various fees to enable them to get international certification, compliance, and better oversight by TPF. It also recommends strengthening the capacity of trade associations to help in the regulation of their respective members. Keywords : Regulation; Private Security Companies, consumer power

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