President William Ruto has ordered a crackdown on private security companies that have failed to implement the 15 per cent minimum wage increase announced on Labour Day.
Speaking at State House on Thursday, Ruto directed the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Interior and the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to ensure all firms comply with Kenya’s minimum wage laws.
The President said private security guards deserve fair pay and all the benefits provided under the law.
“I direct the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Interior and the Private Security Regulatory Authority to ensure that every private security company implements the 15 per cent minimum wage increase announced on Labour Day and complies fully with the law,” Ruto said.
He also warned employers against failing to remit workers’ National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions.
Ruto said every security guard must receive their statutory benefits, adding that employers who ignore the law deny workers the protection they deserve.
The directive comes months after the government announced a 15 per cent minimum wage increase during this year’s Labour Day celebrations. The increment was meant to cushion workers from the rising cost of living and improve their earnings.
However, concerns have persisted that some private security firms are yet to implement the new wages despite the government’s directive.
Earlier, the PSRA warned security companies against ignoring the revised wage order and asked them to comply with labour laws or risk regulatory action.
The private security sector employs thousands of Kenyans, many of whom have for years complained of low wages, long working hours and delayed remittance of statutory deductions.
Ruto’s latest directive now puts pressure on government agencies to enforce the law and ensure security guards receive the salaries and benefits they are entitled to.
