Cameras to help fight crime

PHOTO | JENNIFER MUIRURI CCTV cameras installed on Moi Avenue. The cameras will capture traffic offenders and ensure security within the city.

What you need to know:

  • The installation by Chinese firm Ms Nanjing Les Information Technology cost Sh437 million
  • This is Phase One of the project that has comprehensively covered the CBD and soon, cameras would be introduced in other major towns

Surveillance cameras have been mounted in a number of public places, as the government beefs up security.

Some 42 cameras have been mounted at roundabouts, bus stations, markets and major crime spots in Nairobi.

Metropolitan Development Secretary John Maina said the high-tech Closed Circuit Television cameras (CCTV) will also help check motorists who break traffic rules.

The installation by Chinese firm Ms Nanjing Les Information Technology cost Sh437 million.

“The cameras work even at night,” Mr Maina said.

They can rotate at 360 degrees and will therefore cover a larger perimeter to monitor any crimes and traffic offences in the city,” he said.

Mr Maina said the 24-hour surveillance cameras would be monitored from Police headquarters while those at roundabouts would be managed from Nairobi County offices.

Some of the areas where the equipment have been mounted include Gikomba Market, Machakos Country Bus, Tea Room, Ronald Ngala Street, the junction of Latema Road and Tom Mboya, the area around old Nation House and City Market.

Others are at ICEA Building on Kenyatta Avenue, the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Muindi Mbingu Street and at Teleposta House. Upper Hill cameras have been installed on NHIF Building and Kenyatta National Hospital.

CONTROL ROOMS

According to Mr Maina, this is Phase One of the project that has comprehensively covered the CBD and soon, cameras would be introduced in other major towns.

Control rooms have already been fitted with big screens and will have eight controllers at a time. There is a stand-by control room in case one fails or is tampered with.

“We are not compromising on security. The system will capture anyone committing a crime in the city. The operators will do a radio call to the police officers designated to the particular area who will swing into action,” said the Metropolitan Development Secretary whose ministry is overseeing the installation of the cameras.

He said the cameras move with the suspect, transferring their images to the next camera.