President William Ruto has ordered all government agencies to immediately drop terms like “watchman” and “guard” when referring to private security personnel, condemning the titles as outdated, disrespectful, and rooted in Kenya’s colonial past.
Addressing private security officers at State House on Thursday, Ruto announced that all official communications must now use the title “private security officers” as the government prepares to amend existing legislation.
“I know that these terminologies are in the law and regulations, but I am instructing all government agencies to expunge references to all private security officers as watchmen and guards,” he said. “We agreed that work is work, and yours is work. ‘Watchman’ was disrespectful and came from the colonial rule. You are no longer watchmen; you are private security officers. The laws will be changed.”
The president framed the directive as a vital step toward recognizing the dignity and professionalism of the private security workforce.
His order responded directly to a plea made just minutes earlier by a security guard who urged the president to champion a title change that would accord workers the respect they deserve. The guard argued that the term “watchman” diminishes their professional standing and asked employers to stop looking down on personnel in the sector.
“We thank you, President Ruto, for welcoming us at State House. The first thing we would like you to address is our salary. If it is addressed, we shall greatly appreciate. We know it will happen because you are a man of your words. We have faith that today, when we leave here, we shall be happy,” the guard said. “The team that is here, most often we are called watchmen. I would like that to change. I would like us to be referred to as security officers because when that changes, we can earn some respect in the various places we work.”
The worker’s candid remarks drew warm laughter from the audience and the president alike.
Ruto Cracks Down on Security Firms Over Pay
Beyond job titles, Ruto took aim at private security firms that shortchange their staff, ordering government agencies to enforce strict compliance with minimum wage laws. He highlighted that several firms have ignored the 15 percent minimum wage increase announced on Labour Day, leaving some guards with monthly earnings under Sh10,000. Calling the practice inhumane, he warned employers that adherence to Kenya’s labor laws is non-negotiable.
“On May 1, I directed that the minimum wage should be raised by 15 percent. But I have been told that there are many companies that have not implemented the directive. Others are not paying the minimum wage; they are paying below Sh10,000,” Ruto said. “The law of the country says that it is inhumane for anyone to be paid below the minimum wage.”
To seal compliance gaps, Ruto tasked the Private Security Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Labour to mount joint operations against defaulting firms.
“We must work collaboratively to ensure that every security company operates within the parameters of the law. The law of Kenya states that there is a minimum wage that an employee should be paid. That is not negotiable,” he said.
Private Security Officers Get Major Boost
The President further instructed employers to remit all statutory deductions, including contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), so security officers can access healthcare and retire with dignity.
“You should pay for them the Social Health Authority and NSSF so they get their benefits to retire with dignity,” he said, before issuing a final instruction to state oversight bodies: “I direct all the government agencies to ensure private security officers are paid nothing less than the minimum wage.”
Ruto further commended private security officers for their frontline role in safeguarding homes, businesses, schools, and farms across the country.
“Before many Kenyans wake up, a private security officer is already awake. You stand at our gates, homes, schools, offices, and farms. You welcome us when we arrive, watch over our property while we work, and remain behind when everyone else calls it a day,” he said.
President Ruto said the meeting at State House was the largest gathering ever hosted at the venue, saying it reflected the importance of the sector.
“My officers are telling me that we have about 27,000 people. This is the biggest meeting that has ever happened here, and I am happy that this big meeting is for Kenyans the private security officers who ensure our security,” he said.