Delmonte Kenya Limited has contracted G4S guards to reinforce security around the pineapple plantations, to help end theft of the pineapples by the marauding gangs.
In the past two months, heavy armed youth have been sneaking into the plantations stealing the fruits worth millions of shillings.
The fruit processor in a statement states it has incorporated more than 270 G4S guards following recommendations from a recent Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA).
The assessment report conducted by human right experts called for the outsourcing of the security personnel in efforts to win the war against the marauding gangs.
The Delmonte guards have been criticized by human right bodies over the manhandling of the youth suspected to have been behind the wave of theft of the fruits within the plantations.
Delmonte Acting Deputy Managing Director Mr Wayne Cook, said they are committed to address the challenges through coordinated criminal operations.
“The safety and security of the individuals within the plantations remains a top priority. We are actively working with G4S, local authorities, and the police to craft strategies aimed at responding to these challenges safely and effectively,” said Mr Cook.
G4S Managing Director Laurence Okelo said their team will work closely with Del Monte Kenya and local law enforcement when incidents of theft do happen.
“We will work with local communities focusing on theft prevention, conflict resolution, and improving communications,” said Okelo.