NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Thursday hosted more than 5,000 private security guards at State House in Nairobi, an engagement aimed at addressing challenges facing the sector and outlining welfare pledges.
The meeting, which was held at the State House grounds, gave the guards a rare platform to present their grievances directly to the head of state. According to a statement from the Presidential Communication Service, Ruto assured the guards of the government's commitment to improving their working conditions and professionalizing the private security industry.
Among the key issues discussed were low wages, lack of insurance, and inadequate training. The president announced plans to establish a regulatory framework that would ensure fair remuneration and better standards for security personnel. He also hinted at the formation of a task force to look into the sector's challenges and propose concrete reforms.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. The guards, many of whom wore their uniforms, expressed optimism about the promised changes, though some called for swift implementation.
This engagement is part of a series of consultative meetings that Ruto has held with various professional groups since taking office, as his administration seeks to address labor issues across different sectors.
