A heartfelt appeal by a private security guard for better pay and greater respect has prompted President William Ruto to announce sweeping changes aimed at improving the status of Kenya's private security workforce, including scrapping the long-used title "watchman" in favour of "private security officer."
The appeal was made on Thursday during a meeting between the President and more than 5,000 private security guards at State House, where the officer urged the government to recognise the profession with a title that reflects its responsibilities while also addressing low wages.
The guard thanked President Ruto for inviting private security personnel to State House and appealed for improved salaries, saying better pay would transform the lives of thousands of officers working across the country.
"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 it. 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."
He said private security personnel have for years been referred to as "watchmen", a title he argued no longer reflects the work they do or the responsibilities they carry.
"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," he stated.
The guard also called on employers to treat private security personnel with dignity, saying many officers continue to face discrimination and are often looked down upon despite playing a critical role in protecting lives and property.
His remarks drew laughter from the audience, including President Ruto, as fellow guards applauded his call for greater respect and recognition of the profession.
Responding to the appeal, President Ruto said the government would officially replace the title "watchman" with "private security officer" as part of wider reforms aimed at improving the profession.
The President said the government would amend the relevant laws and regulations to formally adopt the new title while creating a structured career progression system for officers in the private security sector.
He said private security officers should have a clear path for promotion based on their qualifications, skills and performance, just like professionals serving in other security agencies.
According to the President, the reforms will give officers opportunities to grow in their careers while strengthening professionalism across the industry.
Ruto also called for stronger cooperation between the private security industry and the National Police Service, saying closer coordination would improve the country's security.
He said the estimated 1.3 million private security officers should work within a coordinated framework alongside police officers to strengthen national security and improve service delivery.
The President announced that the government would hold consultations involving the Inspector General of Police, the Private Security Regulatory Authority and other industry stakeholders to develop systems for cooperation, information-sharing and joint coordination.
He said the planned framework would enable private security officers and police to complement each other's work while maintaining professional standards, accountability and public confidence in the country's security sector.