Global security firm G4S Kenya has announced plans to lay off approximately 400 employees over the next six months.

G4S Kenya has announced plans to send home approximately 400 workers amid economic hardships.

The company in a letter dated November 4, has notified the Ministry of Labour of its intention to declare approximately 400 positions redundant due to the ongoing economic challenges that have severely impacted its business operations.

The company, which has been a prominent player in the security and logistics sector, cited the effects of reduced revenue and high operating costs as the primary drivers behind the difficult decision.

"Due to the ongoing reduction in business trading occasioned by the effects of the harsh economic challenges that have occasioned to reduction in revenue and the high cost of running our business, we regret to advise the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the organisation's intentions to declare several positions redundant,” the company said in the notice.

G4S Kenya revealed that the redundancy exercise will affect employees across various locations in Kenya, spanning both management and unionised categories.

The layoffs are expected to take place gradually between November 2024 and April 2025.

“This letter therefore serves as a notice of redundancy pursuant to the provision of the Employment Act, 2007 Section 40 (1). The notice takes effect from November 4, 2024,” it said.

G4S Kenya, which has been grappling with the economic downturn, emphasised its commitment to the Kenyan market despite the challenging circumstances.

"G4S Kenya Limited remains fully committed to the Kenyan market. We have every intention of implementing solutions that will secure employment for our employees whilst sustaining positive business performance.”

The company also assured that it would comply with all minimum legal requirements related to the redundancy process, demonstrating its adherence to the provisions outlined under the Employment Act.

“We wish to assure the Ministry that we shall adhere to all the minimum legal requirements stipulated for this kind of action,” the company added in its statement.

The announcement comes at a time when many businesses across Kenya are facing similar economic pressures.