President William Ruto has announced sweeping reforms targeting the welfare, pay, and professional recognition of private security officers, signalling a policy shift aimed at formalising a sector long criticised for low wages and poor working conditions.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, after meeting representatives of private security officers, the President said the government would move with urgency to enforce labour standards and elevate the status of the workforce.
“We are implementing key reforms to improve the welfare, professionalism and recognition of private security officers, who are indispensable partners in maintaining national security,” Ruto said.
He noted that private security personnel play a central role across the economy, guarding homes, schools, hospitals, factories, farms and places of worship.
According to the President, this places them at the heart of both national security and economic productivity.
“Due to this critical role, private security officers deserve better pay, decent working conditions and greater respect for the vital role they play in protecting lives, businesses and public institutions,” he added.
In a directive likely to impact thousands of workers, Ruto ordered immediate enforcement of the minimum wage across all private security firms.
The sector has previously faced scrutiny over widespread non-compliance with statutory pay requirements.
To steer the reforms, the President constituted a multi-agency taskforce bringing together the Ministries of Interior and Labour, the Private Security Regulatory Authority, the National Police Service, and industry players.
The team has been given 60 days to develop a comprehensive framework to improve welfare standards.
“We will harmonise and strengthen training standards and provide clarity in career progression,” Ruto said, indicating plans to professionalise the sector and create structured growth pathways.
The reforms will also introduce a coordinated operational framework between private security officers and the police, aimed at improving collaboration and response efficiency across the country.
In a symbolic but significant move, the President directed that the terms “watchman” and “guards” be removed from all government documents.
“These terms are a colonial relic and must be discarded. The officers will now be referred to as private security officers,” he stated.
The announcement is expected to trigger regulatory and operational changes across Kenya’s private security industry, which employs hundreds of thousands nationwide.