NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has announced a raft of reforms targeting Kenya’s private security sector, including the removal of the terms “watchman” and “guard” from all government documents, saying they no longer reflect the professionalism of the industry.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a meeting with representatives of private security officers, the President said all official references would instead use the title “private security officer.”
He described the existing terminology as a colonial-era relic that should be abandoned.
“To accord private security officers the respect they deserve, any references to ‘watchman’ and ‘guards’ will be expunged from all Government documents,” Ruto said.
The President said the government was implementing reforms aimed at improving the welfare, recognition and professionalism of officers working in the private security industry.
He announced the formation of a task force comprising officials from the Ministries of Interior and Labour, the National Police Service (NPS), the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and representatives of the private security industry.
The team has been given 60 days to develop recommendations on improving the officers’ welfare, training standards and career progression.
Ruto also said the government would establish a framework to strengthen collaboration between the National Police Service and private security officers in enhancing public safety.
The reforms build on the mandate of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), which was established under the Private Security Regulation Act, 2016 to regulate and professionalise the sector.
The President said private security officers play a critical role in protecting homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, factories, farms and places of worship across the country.
