President William Ruto has ordered private security firms across Kenya to immediately comply with the government’s approved minimum wage of Ksh30,000 for all security guards.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, the President also directed the companies to remit all mandatory statutory deductions, including National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions, saying workers must receive their full legal employment benefits.
Ruto expressed concern that despite his Labour Day directive increasing the minimum wage by 15 per cent, many private security companies have failed to implement the adjustment.
He noted that some firms continue paying guards as little as Ksh6,000 or Ksh7,000 a month, describing the practice as both illegal and inhumane.
“On May 1 this year, I directed that the minimum wage be increased by 15 per cent, but I have been informed that many companies have ignored that directive. Today, I am issuing a warning,” the President said.
He stressed that Kenyan law prohibits employers from paying workers below the prescribed minimum wage, adding that all employers must respect labour regulations.
To enforce compliance, Ruto instructed the Ministries of Interior and Labour, alongside the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), to intensify inspections and ensure all private security companies adhere to the law.
“We must work together to ensure every private security company operates within the law and guarantees its employees at least the minimum wage. This is not negotiable,” he said.
The directive reinforces regulations introduced about four years ago through a PSRA gazette notice, which set the minimum gross monthly pay for private security officers at Ksh30,000. Employers who fail to comply risk a fine of up to Ksh2 million and, where applicable, imprisonment.
Under the approved pay structure, the Ksh30,000 gross salary comprises a basic salary of Ksh18,994, a house allowance of Ksh2,850 and an overtime allowance of Ksh8,157.
After mandatory deductions, including NSSF, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and the Affordable Housing Levy, private security officers are expected to receive a minimum net salary of Ksh26,415.
