President William Ruto has directed all government agencies to expunge references to private security officers as ‘watchmen’ or ‘guards’, saying the terms undermine the dignity of the profession.
Speaking when he hosted private security officers at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, President Ruto said the terminology was a remnant of colonial-era attitudes and should be replaced with titles that accord respect to their contribution to national security.
“Majina kama watchmen, majina kama guards nimekubali haya majina yanawakosea heshima. I’m instructing all government agencies to expunge reference to private security officers as ‘watchmen’ or ‘guards’,” President Ruto said.
The Head of State acknowledged that the terms are still contained in existing laws and government regulations, but said the relevant legal frameworks will be reviewed to align them with the recognition of private security officers.
He said amendments will be made to the Private Security Regulatory Authority framework, the General Wages Order, the Private Security Wages Order and other regulations to adopt terminology that recognises the critical role played by security officers.
“Tulikubaliana ya kwamba kazi ni kazi. Hii yenu ni kazi na sababu hiyo ile maneno ya watchman ilikuwa ni madharau ya mkoloni. Nyinyi sasa sio watchmen, nyinyi ni private security officers,” he said.
President Ruto further announced plans to establish a clear career progression pathway for private security officers, saying those joining the sector should have opportunities for professional growth.
“This is a job like any other and we have agreed that there must be career progression. Someone joining the profession must know how they will rise. The regulations of private security will be changed to provide a career progression path for private security officers,” he said.
The President described the 1.3 million Kenyans working in the private security sector as key contributors to national security and economic stability.
“You are not workers on the periphery of our economy, you are indispensable members of our society and essential partners in Kenya’s national security infrastructure,” he said.
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