William Ruto Orders Higher Pay, Better Welfare for Kenya's Private Security Guards

President William Ruto has issued stern directives aimed at significantly improving the welfare and working conditions of private security guards across Kenya. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a pivotal meeting with private security guards on Thursday, August 6, President Ruto underscored the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan worker, particularly those in the security sector, receives fair compensation and benefits.

A primary focus of the President's instructions is the rigorous enforcement of the statutory minimum wage for all private security guards. He explicitly mandated the Private Security Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Labour to forge a collaborative front to ensure comprehensive compliance throughout the sector. President Ruto asserted, "Every Kenyan deserves to be paid. If there are challenges, I am ready to sit down and listen, but these workers must receive their wages." This directive is a direct response to prevailing concerns that a multitude of guards are currently receiving wages substantially below the legal minimum, with some instances reported of earnings as meager as Sh6,000, which he vehemently condemned as "unlawful and inhumane."

Furthermore, President Ruto specifically commanded private security companies to fully implement the 15 percent minimum wage increase that was officially announced on Labour Day. He expressed considerable dismay that numerous employers have regrettably neglected to enact this crucial directive. Reaffirming his stance, he reiterated that "The minimum wage is not negotiable. It must be implemented," thereby emphasizing the compulsory nature of this financial obligation for all employers.

Beyond immediate wage concerns, President Ruto also delved into the critical issue of statutory deductions. He instructed employers to diligently remit contributions to both the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The President emphatically stressed that access to adequate healthcare and the prospect of a dignified retirement are fundamental rights for every security guard. He declared, "A security guard should not lose a lifetime of savings because they or a family member falls sick. Registration under SHA is mandatory," and consequently ordered the estimated 1.3 million Kenyans employed within the private security sector to register for SHA.

In an impactful move designed to elevate living standards, President Ruto announced the expansion of homeownership opportunities for private security guards through the government's flagship Affordable Housing Programme, with a particular emphasis on its Social Housing component. He poignantly highlighted the irony of guards diligently protecting the homes of others while frequently residing in informal settlements themselves due to their constrained incomes, affirming that "The security guards who protect other people's homes also deserve to own decent homes."

Addressing the sector's regulatory framework, the Head of State acknowledged the significant strides made in the implementation of the Private Security Regulation Act, 2016. He specifically noted that the Private Security Regulatory Authority has successfully instituted more robust licensing standards, structured training programs, and a comprehensive register of qualified personnel. To further fortify the sector, President Ruto directed relevant agencies to undertake a thorough review of existing regulations with the aim of establishing a clear and actionable career progression framework for guards. He also called for enhanced collaboration among the Authority, the National Police Service, the National Intelligence Service, county governments, and private security providers to collectively strengthen accountability and improve overall welfare. Finally, he ordered the development of a harmonized national training curriculum for private security officers, striving to standardize professional development and elevate industry standards across the nation.