President William Ruto has directed all government institutions, public offices and employers to stop using the term “watchmen” when referring to private security guards.
Speaking during a public event, the President said all official communication should instead use the designation “private security officers.”
“I have directed all government offices and public offices to expunge the use of the word ‘watchmen’ so that they can use the name ‘private security officers,’” Ruto said.
The directive forms part of efforts to promote professionalism and dignity within Kenya’s private security sector, which employs thousands of guards across public and private institutions.
Ruto noted that the new designation better reflects the responsibilities carried out by personnel working in the private security industry, including protecting people, property and critical facilities.
The move means ministries, state agencies, county governments and other public institutions will need to update official documents, job descriptions and communication that still use the term “watchmen.”
The President did not indicate when the directive would take full effect, but government offices are expected to begin implementing the change immediately.
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