Ruto orders end to 'Watchman' title, renames guards as private security officers

President William Ruto has directed all government institutions, public offices and employers to stop using the term "watchmen" when referring to private security personnel and instead adopt the official designation "private security officers."

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 6, during a meeting with private security personnel, Ruto said the laws governing the sector would be amended to formally recognise the title "private security officers" in place of "watchmen."

"I know these terminologies are contained in the law and regulations, but I am directing all government agencies to expunge references to private security personnel as watchmen and guards and instead refer to them as private security officers," the President said.

His directive came moments after a private security guard appealed to the Head of State to officially recognise guards as security officers rather than watchmen, arguing that the change would accord them the dignity and respect they deserve.

The President also directed the establishment of a new cooperation framework, to be led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and the Executive Office of the President, to strengthen collaboration, joint policing and security coordination between the private security sector, the National Police Service (NPS) and other security agencies.

"We have also agreed that you perform an important role in policing and maintaining security, a responsibility that is no different from the work done by the police and other security officers. We will develop a framework for cooperation between the police and private security officers to ensure better security across Kenya," Ruto said.

In addition, the President directed government agencies and private sector stakeholders to jointly develop a harmonised training curriculum for all private security officers. He said the standardised curriculum would eliminate confusion, streamline training and prevent duplication of roles across the sector.