Companies in Kenya are in a race to boost their security budgets in response to rising threats, including civil unrest and economic uncertainty, according to G4S 2025 World Security Report.
G4S Kenya chief executive Laurence Okelo spoke to the Business Daily on the findings and how private security is adapting to Kenya’s shifting economic and political climate.
Your latest World Security Report shows Kenyan chief security officers rank civil unrest as their biggest external threat. What is driving this concern?
Our World Security Report interviewed 2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) globally, including 174 in sub-Saharan Africa and 58 in Kenya.
Those in Kenya highlighted civil unrest as the biggest external threat. To unpack that, we look at the challenges the country has faced mainly in June 2024 and again in June 2025, largely driven by protests on the economy and cost of living.
There’s also the broader context of rising political tensions building as we move toward the 2027 election.
But they countered that with a positive where CSOs see economic instability becoming a diminishing threat.
Are these concerns rooted in real incidents on the ground, or are they largely perception-driven?
Well, they are perceptions, but they say perception is reality. These perceptions form from what has happened, the CSOs’ understanding of past events and their predictions for the future.
The report looks at external and internal threats, and CSOs use these insights to guide decisions on how best to protect their organisations. Security companies like ours are ready, willing and able to be part of that conversation.
CSOs see concern over economic instability— which was high up the list of concerns last year— as a diminishing threat. Does this signal improving business confidence?
I would attribute that perception to them looking at what has happened in the past as well as looking forward to anticipate what will be coming.
The [anti-government] protests in 2025, while serious and unfortunate in terms of loss of life and property destruction, were fewer and less intense than in 2024.
When you combine that with indicators like stabilising inflation and falling interest rates, CSOs anticipate economic instability to be less of a threat.
That aligns with expectations of a more favourable economic environment going forward.
How do Kenya’s security risks compare with those in Tanzania and Uganda, given our integrated regional market?
The report surveyed 174 CSOs in sub-Saharan Africa, with Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa forming the main focus. But what we learn from recent events across the region is how quickly things can change, especially around elections.
The voice of the people and youth in particular, is increasingly becoming powerful.
There are similarities across countries, but also differences in preparedness, especially within the private sector.
Because G4S operates in about 20 countries in Africa, we were aware of the challenges in Tanzania and were able to support our sister company there as much as possible. This is where organisations like ours can leverage expertise and presence across multiple markets.
Nearly 80 percent of firms expect to raise their security budgets next year. Which areas will see the biggest spending increases?
Almost 80 percent of CSOs told us security budgets will increase. There are three priorities that stood out. First, investment in new technology and infrastructure which was cited by about 83 percent of the CSOs.
This includes integrating AI-driven intelligence with access control systems like cameras and biometrics, and requires highly skilled security officers to leverage the technology.
The second area is risk assessment which was noted by about 71 percent of CSOs. Threats evolve quickly, and risks to people, supply chains and leadership—particularly C-suite executives—must be reassessed constantly.
The third area is regulatory compliance which was noted by 66 percent. It comes to play when you think of data protection laws and stricter rules on access to buildings. And this means security professionals need a deeper understanding of compliance requirements.
Is this increased spending more preventive or reactive?
Historically, investment tended to be preventive but reactive in nature. The top priority now is new technology, and that’s where AI comes in.
Technologies such as AI are able to analyse past incidents to predict future threats. And when it is integrated with skilled security officers, we can prevent breaches before they occur rather than respond after the act. The shift is clearly toward anticipatory security.
With firms under pressure to cut costs, are they still prioritising security investment?
Globally, the report surveyed over 200 investors with more than $1 trillion in assets and CSOs overseeing companies generating over $25 trillion in revenue. One key finding is that a serious security breach can reduce a company’s value by up to 30 percent.
While organisations in the past largely viewed security as a cost, many now see it as an investment.
That’s why 79 percent of CSOs expect higher budgets next year. When businesses compare their security spend to the value of the people and property they’re protecting, the case for investment becomes clear. Integrating skilled personnel with technology delivers that value.
With security perceptions increasingly influencing investment decisions, how can G4S help clients mitigate these concerns?
Security planning must always put into consideration the worst scenario that can happen, while hoping for the best. That’s why risk assessments are crucial.
We help organisations understand their specific risks, whether to people, property or both, and how best to mitigate them..
What is your outlook for Kenya’s private security sector?
The industry will continue to grow with the economy. It is one of the largest employers in the country.
Once regulatory challenges, particularly around clarity and enforcement, are addressed, the sector will become a more level playing field and produce a better calibre of security professionals.
Growth will also come from increased demand for highly trained officers who can integrate with AI systems, biometrics and advanced surveillance. That’s where the industry is headed, and where organisations are well positioned to offer integrated security solutions.
