A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring Your Own Police Escort

Why hire a private security firm when you can have the official authority of the Kenya Police for a fraction of the cost? Whether you are securing a high-value wedding, moving assets, or hosting a sensitive event, Gazette Notice No. 955 makes it entirely legal to have an armed officer by your side.

Here is exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Know the “menu.”

Before you head to the station, you need to know what you’re shopping for. The law allows you to hire officers by rank, and the price difference is surprisingly small.

Personnel/Equipment	Armed (Per Hour)	Unarmed (Per Hour)
Inspector	Sh 188	Sh 150
Sergeant	Sh 150	Sh 125
Corporal	Sh 125	Sh 100
Constable	Sh 100	Sh 75
Patrol Car (with Siren)	Sh 5,000	N/A

Note: All hires are subject to a maximum of 8 hours. If your event is longer, you will need to negotiate a shift rotation with the station.

Step 2: Visit the OCS (the gatekeeper).

You cannot just “rent-a-cop” on the street. You must go to the Officer-in-Charge of Station (OCS) in the area where the service is needed.

• The Pitch: You must submit a formal application.
• The Assessment: The OCS will evaluate your request based on public safety. They decide if your request is “necessary” and how many officers are required to handle the task effectively.

Step 3: Pay the Treasury, Not the Officer

This is the most critical step for staying within the law. Do not hand cash to the officers.

• The fees are paid directly to the National Treasury.
• This ensures the money is recorded as government revenue and protects you from accusations of bribery or “buying” influence.

Step 4: Understand the Terms of Service

When you hire an officer, they aren’t your personal employees—they are still active-duty police. This means:

• The Look: They must remain in their official uniform.
• The Gear: They will carry their official government-issued weapons.
• The Branding: You cannot put your own logos on their patrol cars or motorcycles. They represent the State, not your brand.

Why Choose This Over Private Security?

While private security guards are great for logistics, they lack the arrest authority and deterrent power of a uniformed police officer. For Sh 100 an hour, you aren’t just buying a “guard”—you’re buying the presence of the law.

The Bottom Line

It’s affordable, it’s legal, and it’s arguably the most effective security “hack” in Kenya. Next time you’re planning a trip to the village or a high-stakes business move, skip the bouncers and go straight to the OCS.