Tender for Sh2.6bn CCTVs to be awarded next month

Tenders for installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Nairobi’s Central Business district will be awarded mid next month as Nairobi steps up war against crime.

The entire project for the metropolis will cost Sh2.6 billion.

Nairobi Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau said the ministry is developing the Metropolitan Bill that will see the capital divided into six metropolitan regions to ease the fight against crime. He said money has been set aside to buy the cameras in the first phase covering the Central Business District.
“The ministry has invited tenders for the installation of CCTV cameras within the metropolis.

The tender was advertised on June 5 , 2012 and the opening of the documents has been scheduled for July 19, Mr Kamau said.

He told Parliament the government was revising planning and building regulations to require owners of buildings to install the security cameras.
“That not withstanding, the ministry will provide the basic infrastructure for CCTV cameras for building owners to tap into,” he said.

Nominated MP Rachael Shebesh had asked when the cameras would be installed and when a Bill requiring building owners to install CCTVs would be introduced in the House.

“The ministry is in discussion with commissioner of police to enhance city policing by setting up a Metropolitan Police Unit within the Central Business District,” he added.

Once the installations of CCTV’s are complete, Mr Kamau said links would be provided to business owners to tap into them for police to monitor their property.

Provide links

“We will also provide links to various TV stations to show the viewer what is happening real time on the Kenyan roads,” he said.
Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale asked the minister to state when the project would be rolled out to major cities of Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu among others to secure the country.

The minister said joint efforts were going on to roll out CCTVsin other areas outside the metropolis through the Ministry of Internal Security.
“The cameras we are installing have face recognition techniques. Once you commit a crime and walk to another camera, it will give a signal to security officers and you will be arrested,” he added.

The technology, the minister said would also capture vehicle number plates, establishing where cars were at any time and would help in managing traffic.

emutai@ke.nationmedia.com