PSC Kenya study guide
PSC Kenya · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Private Security Certification (PSC) in Kenya is a professional credential for individuals working, or seeking to work, in the licensed private security industry - guards, supervisors, control-room operators, and officers in corporate, residential, retail, and event settings. It signals that a holder understands the legal boundaries of a security role, the industry code of conduct, and the practical skills expected on a client site. The PSC Kenya study guide has 14 sections and about 4,797 words.
01Law and the Private Security Regulatory Framework
This domain tests your knowledge of the Private Security Regulation Act, No. 13 of 2016, the regulator it created, and the hard limits on what a security officer may lawfully do.
412 words, about 2 min02Private Security Code of Conduct and Ethics
This domain tests the standards of behaviour set in the Code of Conduct and Ethics (Second Schedule, Private Security Regulation Act 2016) and how they are applied in real decisions on post. The Code requires integrity, honesty, professionalism, lawful obedience, non-discrimination, confidentiality, courtesy and fitness for duty.
336 words, about 2 min03Physical Security and Access Control
This domain tests how physical barriers, layout and access procedures combine to keep unauthorised people away from people, information and assets. Security is layered: the perimeter (fence, wall, gatehouse, bollards, lighting), the building envelope (doors, windows, locks, glazing), interior zones, and the asset itself (safe, strongroom, server rack).
349 words, about 2 min04Security Operations
This domain tests how a security team is organised, briefed, supervised and recorded across shifts, and how information moves up the chain. Post orders are site-specific: duties, patrols, prohibited acts, contacts, alarm responses.
335 words, about 2 min05Patrols and Incident Reporting
This domain tests how patrols are planned and carried out, and how the resulting incidents are recorded so they stand up in a disciplinary hearing or a court. Deter by visible presence, detect hazards and intrusion, reassure staff and visitors, and provide a timely response.
327 words, about 2 min06Emergency Response
This domain tests the sequence of actions that saves lives and limits damage when something goes wrong, and the discipline not to improvise. Life safety first, then stabilising the incident, then property, then reputation.
340 words, about 2 min07First Aid and Fire Safety
This domain tests basic life support, common first aid decisions, and correct use of fire equipment under Kenyan safety law. Scene safety first, then DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
370 words, about 2 min08Crime Prevention
This domain tests whether you can think like a crime preventer rather than only a responder: reducing opportunity before an offence happens. Crime prevention has three levels: primary, before it happens; secondary, aimed at at-risk places or people; tertiary, preventing repeat victimisation.
309 words, about 2 min09Observation and Evidence Handling
This domain tests how accurately you observe, how well you record, and whether what you handle survives a courtroom challenge. Describe systematically from head to toe: sex, apparent age, height, build, hair, complexion, clothing, marks, voice, gait, accent, and direction of travel.
342 words, about 2 min10Communication
This domain tests clear, disciplined communication, on the radio, face to face and in writing. Communication needs a sender, a message, a channel, a receiver and feedback.
317 words, about 2 min11Customer Care and Public Relations
This domain tests whether you can apply the rules firmly and still leave the visitor, client and public feeling respected. The guard is often the first and last person a visitor meets.
313 words, about 2 min12Health, Safety and Occupational Welfare
This domain tests your duties for your own safety and that of colleagues, and the legal framework behind them. The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 (OSHA) requires employers to provide safe plant and systems of work, risk assessment, training, protective equipment, first aid and fire precautions, and requires employees to use equipment properly, report hazards and not endanger others.
351 words, about 2 min13Human Rights, Use of Force and Handling Vulnerable Persons
This domain tests the constitutional limits on your authority and how you treat people who cannot protect themselves. Chapter Four of the Constitution protects dignity (Article 28), freedom and security of the person (Article 29), privacy (Article 31) and the rights of arrested persons (Article 49).
361 words, about 2 min14Technology and Information Security Basics
This domain tests the secure operation of security systems and the handling of personal data, which guards collect constantly. CCTV, access control, intruder alarms, fire detection, intercoms, radios, GPS tracking and visitor management all need stable power with backup, scheduled maintenance, fault logging and testing.
335 words, about 2 min