In a landmark step toward modernizing national security and upholding the dignity of labor, President William Ruto hosted representatives of private security officers at State House, Nairobi, announcing a comprehensive suite of executive reforms designed to overhaul the sector’s welfare, professional standards, and legal recognition.
Underlining their pivotal role in safeguarding lives, businesses, and public assets, the President emphasized that private security personnel are indispensable partners to the nation’s broader defense and law enforcement architecture.
To reflect this crucial contribution, the administration is initiating systemic changes aimed at transforming the industry from top to bottom.
A central directive from the address is the immediate expungement of outdated and derogatory terms such as “watchman” and “guard” from all official government documents and communications. Denouncing these titles as colonial relics that undermine the dignity of service, President Ruto declared that personnel across the sector will formally and legally be recognized as Private Security Officers.
Addressing long-standing issues surrounding remuneration, the Head of State mandated the immediate enforcement of statutory minimum wage requirements across all private security firms.
Moving forward, compliance with labour laws will be strictly monitored, ensuring that officers receive fair, decent, and predictable compensation aligned with the demanding nature of their work.
To bolster professionalism and operational efficiency, the government is introducing harmonized training curricula across the industry. This standardized framework will establish clear, structured pathways for career advancement, allowing officers to build long-term, specialized professions within the security ecosystem.
Recognizing the necessity of coordinated operational strategies, the administration is building a formal framework to enable smooth collaboration between the National Police Service and private security officers. This joint alignment will enhance intelligence sharing, tactical coordination, and overall public safety coverage across urban and rural regions alike.
To ensure swift execution, President Ruto announced the formation of a dedicated multi-agency taskforce. Comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the National Police Service, and private security industry stakeholders, the panel has been given a strict 60-day mandate to deliver a comprehensive policy framework outlining actionable measures to improve officer welfare, working conditions, and social protections nationwide.
