GuardNow Security Group Leads the Way in Corporate Protection Services Across Kenya

What makes GuardNow Security Group different?

First of all, welcome to GuardNow Security Group. My name is Dr Peter Mwangi. I am the President and Founder of GuardNow Security Group. We pride ourselves on being accessible to our clients. When they need us,whether it is an issue with a guard or any other employee we respond immediately. We listen, we engage, and we ensure open communication.

Our motto is “We Serve and Protect”, and we mean it. We do not take chances with the opportunities our clients give us. That is what sets us apart. In many companies, you may call ten or fifteen times without receiving a response. With us, one phone call is enough. Before my team arrives, I am already on-site. I separate the employees from the clients, and I engage directly with both sides. At my level, I understand client needs deeply. That is how I lead, and by the grace of God, we are doing well.

What is the Key to Maintaining such Standards?

The key is understanding the assignment and the client. Every job comes with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from our company and another set of expectations from the client. We make sure our team is aligned with both.

I am not here to say we are better than our competitors, but I can confidently say we understand our business, we understand our clients, and most importantly, we listen. When given a task, we ensure we deploy the right people. Of course, there are challenges, but they are manageable because of the systems we have put in place. My team and I regularly monitor our staff to ensure punctuality, proper handover procedures, and strong performance. We work hand in hand with our clients as a team.

What kind of Security Services do you provide?

Security is a broad field. Our services cover a wide range, including:Manned guarding services, CCTV surveillance, K9 (canine) services, Fire safety services, Ambulance response, Personnel training.

We provide all standard security services, but we tailor them to the specific needs of each client. For example, if a client requests CCTV installation, we do not simply install cameras. We first seek to understand the goal—what exactly they want to achieve with the surveillance. That helps us recommend and implement the correct solution.

We are not in business just to take people’s money; we aim to solve problems. We ensure that every service we deliver addresses the client’s actual needs and delivers value.

Can you share an example of a Client who had a Unique or Unusual Request,something that clearly shows the Scope of what GuardNow Security Group offers?

Yes, we have had such clients. We refer to them as sensitive clients. These are clients who require a high level of personal attention. Sometimes, even very small issues that could be resolved by supervisors or managers are brought directly to me, and I respond immediately because these clients have entrusted us with their business, and that responsibility is something I take seriously.

Some of these clients prefer to speak with me directly, while others expect me to pass by their offices occasionally to check in. I do this willingly. In fact, it is part of my culture to regularly check on all our clients not just when there is a problem. I believe that one of the key failures of many companies is the lack of consistent communication with clients. Very few take the time to ask, Are you comfortable with our services? Are you satisfied with the performance of our team?

Personally, I would feel very disappointed if a client was paying us but was not satisfied with our service. Therefore, we do not categorise any issue as minor or major if a client raises it, we treat it seriously and resolve it promptly. Once you understand your client well, you are in a better position to serve them effectively and build a lasting relationship.

How has your International Exposure Influenced the way you run GuardNow Security Group? Have you brought back any Ideas or Technologies from your travels that have helped improve your services?

Yes, my travels have had a significant impact on how I run the business. I make a point to study the private security industry in every country I visit. I observe how companies operate, what technologies they use, and how they manage their clients. Many countries are ahead of us in terms of innovation and systems.

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is the importance of integrating technology into private security. Traditionally, security in Kenya has been largely about manned guarding having personnel physically present at gates, buildings, or compounds. However, technology has changed the game globally. If we do not embrace this shift, we will be left behind.

For example, in countries like South Africa, visitors to estates or serviced apartments are registered digitally in advance. When they arrive, there is no need to speak to a guard—they simply input a unique code at the gate, which grants them access. That code remains valid throughout their stay. It is a seamless and efficient system that saves time and improves security.

When it comes to CCTV, the systems used in some countries are far more advanced. In South Africa, a company can monitor a home in the United Kingdom in real time. In Kenya, we are still limited to monitoring local premises. My goal is to become a pioneer in remote surveillance offering clients the ability to have their homes or businesses monitored globally, from right here in Kenya.

To achieve this, we must be willing to invest in better systems and software. Unfortunately, many investors fear the cost of such technology, but I believe that if you are not ready to invest, you are not ready for growth. At GuardNow Security Group, we are taking bold steps to upgrade our operations so that we can provide smarter, more efficient solutions to our clients. We want to give our clients real value and clear reasons to choose and stay with us.

What Kind of Partner are you looking for?

Yes, we are very open to strategic partnerships, but we are not just looking for capital—we are looking for value. The kind of partnership that GuardNow Security Group is seeking begins with a conversation. First, we need to understand the background of the potential partner: where they are coming from, what they have done, and most importantly, their understanding of the vision of this business.

This company is a vehicle, and I am the driver. Therefore, anyone who is coming on board needs to align with that vision. I am seeking a partner who will bring energy, skills, ideas, and commitment. We should be able to combine efforts to take this company to the next level—bigger and better.

Ideally, the partner would bring specialised knowledge, perhaps from a military or intelligence background. Whether someone is ex-military, ex-police, or formerly with the FBI, CIA, or Interpol, those insights and global experiences are exactly what we are looking for. We cannot continue operating in the private security space using outdated or traditional methods and expect exponential growth.

In some countries, when you need security whether for transport, a facility, or a VIP you can depend entirely on a private security company to provide full protection without involving the national government. This is because they have well-trained personnel, access to advanced knowledge, the right tools, and the most current systems and software.

That is the kind of partnership we are seeking one that brings everything under one umbrella. A partnership that allows us to offer security services that meet the highest standards globally, removing the dependency on public systems. This is how we shall deliver a truly premium and professional security experience to our clients.

Where are your Current Strengths? Do you focus more on Corporate or Private Clients?

Currently, GuardNow Security Group is heavily focused on the corporate sector. That has always been the vision—to build a company that is not just respected locally, but also recognised globally. In order to become a global player in the security industry, one must be able to attract and retain corporate clients.

While we do have a few private clients, approximately 90 percent of our business portfolio consists of corporate partners. This includes major retail chains, commercial establishments, and other institutional clients.

To be specific, we provide security services for Naivas, the largest retail chain in Kenya. We are also present in several malls, churches, international schools, hospitals, and high-end residential estates. Our clientele base is diverse but largely institutional and commercial.

Where do you see the company in the next three years?

In the next three years, I want GuardNow Security Group to extend far beyond Nairobi or Nakuru. I want to see the company establish a strong presence across East and Central Africa and eventually, beyond the continent.

That is my vision. That is my dream. And I am working extremely hard to make it a reality. However, I cannot do it alone. That is why I am looking for a strategic partner who can help us open doors not within Kenya, because we already have access here—but in regions and countries where we are not yet present.

I want someone who brings more than money someone who brings experience, networks, and the willingness to invest in the long-term growth of the business. Someone who sees the opportunity not just in the current market, but in where we can go together. That is the kind of partner I am looking for, and I remain open and committed to finding them.

What is your Personal Philosophy? What kind of Leader are you?

I am a visionary leader. I say this because I started GuardNow Security Group in 2018 with just five employees. Today, we have over 160. The direction has always been clear, and I know where I want to take this company.

I am a quick and independent thinker who believes in making the right decisions—both for the company and for myself. Every decision I make is guided by how it will affect our clients and employees. I do not move alone; I move with the people who have entrusted me with their businesses and with the team that supports our work daily.

My goal is to grow this company to a level where whoever comes after me cannot lower the standards only maintain or raise them. Even my team understands the values I uphold, and when new managers come in, they must align with those values. If they do not, it becomes difficult for them to work here not because I remove them, but because the culture itself holds people accountable.

I believe the spirit of a founder must be present in a business, even in their absence. The vision and philosophy must be so clear that no one can bend it to suit their own interests. That is why I spend time with my team outside formal meetings over tea or lunch so we can talk, share ideas, and understand each other. I want their feedback, their input, and their challenges, because this company is not about me, it is about all of us.

Although I sometimes make tough decisions as the vision carrier, I always consult. I have a strong team that includes HR and admin, and I value their opinions. One principle we have agreed on is never to take loans. We grow organically and reinvest every coin. I account for every cent spent, and I never misuse my position as director.

Above all, I am a disciplined, focused, and strong leader. I work best with strong people. I see myself as both a lion and an eagle, symbols of strength and clarity. A lion rules the jungle, and an eagle rules the sky. That is how I lead boldly, wisely, and with purpose.