OP-Ed Will CCTV curb out insecurity in Kenya?

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed insecurity to such an extent that it has been the subject of numerous travel warnings by the international community and an evacuation by the British government. As much as we have security structures including the Kenya Police Service, this has not deterred the criminals from carrying out their heinous illegal acts. Terrorism has proved to be one of the most difficult hurdle to national peace.

Coupled with inefficient intelligence, corruption, poor regional cooperation, a faulty anti-terror strategy, many of those committing the villiany are willing to die. Their targets have been crowded and public spaces making it hard to suspect them or their activities. It is perhaps for this reason that Kenya has stepped up its efforts in ensuring security with the Minister of Internal Security, Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku announcing that spy cameras will be installed in most parts of the country and especially the cities of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.

Live traffic cameras were launched by Nairobi Governor, Evans Kidero during the Kenya@50 celebrations last year. The CCTV cameras are expected to ensure the strict observance of traffic laws and that anyone who breaks any of the laws is held accountable. But will they improve security?

The cameras are expected to boost the fight on terrorism by increasing surveillance on criminal activities including monitoring the Al Shaabab Militia group. The Chinese government is funding these noble objectives as the cameras are being acquired from China.

Although a worthy cause, the surveillance equipment is to be acquired via an 8.3 billion Kenya Shillings loan. We are yet to find out whether this is the best answer to how efficient will the surveillance be in tackling terrorism.

Kenyans gave varying views over this issue since security directly affects them as a people. Quoting Michael Kalinga, a Kileleshwa resident, internal security can only be improved by creating jobs for idle youths involved in crime. He feels that the Kshs 8.3 billions can go a long way to keep them occupied while generating income for them hence there is no need for CCTV cameras

Jackson Thuku of Karen however disagrees with Michael and says that Kenya should indeed Invest in CCTV cameras but around hotspot areas in the country. He also feels that Lighting of estates investment should be made as criminals like to hang around and rob estate dwellers. He says that Kenya should train its security officers but using new technology so that they are up to date especially with sophisticated criminals. Apart from Street lighting, there should also be more patrol cars and road blocks for security purposes.

The move is indeed welcome as CCTVs have worked in developed cities like London, however just as many Kenyans have said this should be accompanied by a highly trained, competent, well equipped and high morale police service and other security agents otherwise it will just be another gadget on our streets that will be vandalized. There should also be more sensitization of the same, more people will be put to ease and Kenya will go a step higher in its security level.

What are your thoughts on improving security in Kenya with CCTV?

Plans are also in place to have building owners install CCTV cameras that will be linked with the city’s surveillance. The committee also plans to decongest Nairobi by ensuring that people don’t dump vehicles in Nairobi resulting in fewer parking spaces available.

Here is a link to the Live Traffic Cameras thanks to Access Kenya cameras Live Traffic Cams

By Michael Nzambu