Speaking during a meeting with stakeholders in the private security sector at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 6, the President warned that firms exploiting workers through low wages would face strict enforcement measures.
President William Ruto speaking during an engagement with Village Elders, State House, Nairobi County, August 4, 2026.
The Head of State described the practice as unlawful, exploitative and inconsistent with Kenya’s labour standards, insisting that employers must uphold the dignity of workers.
Ruto Warns Firms Against Underpaying Guards
Addressing government officials, regulators and representatives from the private security industry, President Ruto said no employer has the right to pay workers below the legally prescribed minimum wage.
“On May 1 this year, I issued a directive on minimum wage to be increased by 15 per cent, but I have been told that many companies have refused to increase minimum wage by 15 per cent. Today I am warning them.”Ruto said.
The President said the government had received complaints that some security guards continue to receive wages far below the legal threshold despite performing essential duties.
“Others are even paying as little as Ksh6,000 and Ksh7,000. The law of Kenya says that it is inhumane for a person to pay below the minimum wage.”he added.
These include contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the Social Health Authority (SHA), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and the Affordable Housing Levy.
The’ President stressed that compliance with labour laws extends beyond paying wages and includes safeguarding employees’ social protection and healthcare benefits.’
He tasked the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Interior, and the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) with jointly overseeing enforcement of the directive.
“Our good friends in the private security space, the regulator is here, the Ministry of Interior and Labour are here. We must work together to ensure all security companies operate within the parameters of the law.”Ruto stated.
A picture of a group of security guards following the launch of mass registration at Uhuru Park, March 30
Failure to comply with the regulations may attract a fine of up to Ksh2 million, imprisonment, or both, as provided under the law.
Public Contracts Under Scrutiny
President Ruto also criticized the continued award of government security contracts to companies that violate labour laws.
He argued that firms underpaying employees should not benefit from public procurement opportunities merely because they submit the lowest bids.
“The lowest bidder cannot be the one who does not pay minimum wage to these people. You cannot award a security contract to a security company that does not pay their employees minimum wage.”the President declared.
He said government agencies must prioritize compliance with labour standards when evaluating bids for public security contracts.
“I now want the Interior Ministry, Labour Ministry, Private Security Regulatory Authority, the Governor of Nairobi and the National Police Service to sit down and, after 60 days, come back to me and tell me whether they have implemented what I have said so that these people can run their activities smoothly.”Ruto directed.
A picture of security guards preparing for inspection during the launch of Guard Force Numbers (GFNs), March 30.
