President William Ruto Bans Government Use of ‘Watchman’ and ‘Guard’ Titles for Private Security Officers
In a major directive issued today at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto has ordered all government agencies to immediately stop referring to private security personnel as “watchmen” or “guards.”
The President described the terms as colonial-era relics that undermine the dignity and professionalism of the sector.
> “Names like watchmen, names like guards I agree these names deny you respect. I’m instructing all government agencies to expunge reference to private security officers as ‘watchmen’ or ‘guards’,” President Ruto declared while addressing thousands of private security officers.
He directed that they must now be officially called **Private Security Officers (PSOs)**. The government will amend existing laws and regulations — including the Private Security Regulatory Authority framework, the General Wages Order, and the Private Security Wages Order — to reflect the new title.
The announcement came after an officer appealed directly to the President for the change, saying the old labels denied them the respect they deserve.
Ruto emphasized that “work is work” and that private security officers play a critical role in protecting homes, businesses, schools, and institutions across Kenya.
Further reforms announced:
– Career progression framework for PSOs
– Stronger coordination between private security and the National Police Service
– Harmonized training curriculum
– Push for improved wages (reports mention a 15% minimum wage increase and targets around KSh 30,000)
This is being hailed as a significant step toward professionalizing Kenya’s large private security industry.