President gives private security firms 60 days to implement reforms, threatens blacklist for non-compliant companies
NAIROBI: President William Ruto has turned his attention to Kenya’s more than 1.3 million private security officers, promising higher pay, improved medical cover and access to permanent homes as he seeks to deepen his support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at State House on Thursday, President Ruto ordered private security companies to ensure their employees earn a minimum monthly salary of Sh30,000, giving firms 60 days to comply with the directive.
He warned that security companies that fail to meet the new requirements could be blacklisted, putting pressure on employers to review the pay and working conditions of thousands of security officers.
The President also ordered the government to formally replace the term “watchman” with private security officer (PSO), saying the change would help restore dignity and professional recognition to workers in the sector.
The reforms are expected to cover career progression, remuneration and the broader welfare of private security officers.
SHA BENEFITS
President Ruto further promised the officers improved medical coverage, citing their contribution to the Social Health Authority (SHA) through monthly deductions.
He said those contributing to the national health insurance system should be able to access quality healthcare and benefit from the reforms being implemented under SHA.
The President said the government would ensure private security officers and their families are not left behind as the country continues to roll out the new health financing system.
HOMES FOR SECURITY OFFICERS
Ruto also pledged to facilitate private security officers’ access to permanent housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme, saying they contribute to the scheme through the monthly Affordable Housing Levy.
The President said the workers should be able to benefit from the housing programme to which they contribute, giving them an opportunity to own homes rather than remain lifelong tenants.
The housing pledge adds to the package of benefits announced by the President, which includes higher wages, career progression and improved healthcare.
1.3 MLLION OFFICERS TO JOIN SECURITY NETWORK
The President also directed the Inspector General of Police to develop a framework for integrating the country’s more than 1.3 million private security officers into the national security infrastructure.
Under the proposed framework, PSOs will be expected to gather and share security intelligence with the National Police Service.
Ruto said their presence in estates, homes, businesses and institutions gives them a strategic position to identify and report suspicious activities, complementing the work of the police.
The directive seeks to create a stronger link between private security companies and the National Police Service, which has more than 100,000 officers.
‘I AM UPLIFTING ORDINARY KENYANS’
Ruto also hit back at critics questioning his decision to host ordinary citizens at State House.
“Many have told me I am reducing the status of State House by inviting and hosting ordinary people here. But I have told them I am uplifting the status of ordinary Kenyans by inviting them here,” he said.
The meeting came a day after the President hosted Muslim sheikhs and imams as he continues consultations with various groups across the country.
Ruto openly sought the support of private security officers, asking the more than 1.3 million workers to vote for him again in the 2027 General Election.
MUDAVADI: ‘PEOPLE’S PRESIDENCY’
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi defended the President’s engagements with ordinary Kenyans, describing the consultations as a symbol of a “people’s presidency.”
Mudavadi said the President’s willingness to invite ordinary citizens to State House marked a departure from previous administrations, which he claimed rarely opened the doors of the country’s seat of power to ordinary Kenyans.
SAKAJA BACKS RUTO
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who was applauded by the private security officers for his support for their welfare, pledged to ensure the President’s directives are implemented within the 60-day timeline.
Sakaja said private security officers play a critical role in maintaining security in homes, estates and businesses and should therefore be treated with dignity and respect.
He promised to work with the national government and other stakeholders to ensure the reforms translate into tangible improvements for workers.
Sakaja also assured President Ruto that the private security sector would reward his support with votes in the 2027 elections.
With more than 1.3 million private security officers forming one of Kenya’s largest organised workforces, the President’s promises could have significant political and economic implications as the country heads towards the 2027 polls.