Kiambu to install CCTV cameras in strategic spots to prevent crimes.

Following the KES. 50 million Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) theft in Thika, Kiambu County Government (KCG) plans to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in streets and businesses along banks and other financial institutions with the stated goal of reducing crime and increasing public safety.

Economic and Political Advisor to the Governor Rev. David Kariuki Ngari (Gakuyo) said that this investment will enable the law enforcement and security agencies to fight crime and discourage criminals from committing crime. 

“Had there been CCTV cameras in this area, they would have shown us the images of those who were involved in this crime and may be the vehicle(s) they used to escape, the time the crime happened and direction the culprits went. This way they could have been apprehended very quickly,” said Gakuyo while addressing the press at the crime scene.

He added that it was very rare for anyone to commit crime when they knew that their actions were being monitored and recorded on camera. Gakuyo noted that the surveillance footage was always a crucial piece of evidence during a police investigation.

“Criminals are less likely to commit crimes if they know they are being filmed the whole time. Through surveillance cameras, the police can both prevent crimes from happening and can quickly solve criminal cases with material evidence,” he said.

Gakuyo admitted that residents had to be more vigil now that crime has become more sophisticated and involving the use of technology. This, he said, called for an urgent and collective action to keep the people safe and to avoid these types of crimes in the future.

He called on all stakeholders to assess the KCB crime, ask what lessons they can learn, share what they learn with law enforcement agencies, the county government and other customers so as to apply the lessons learnt to strengthen their capabilities to fight similar crimes in future.

“We are now living in a digital world and are facing a rapidly changing risk as well as some of the most high profile crimes. Our youth have been so much exposed to technology and are ending up applying the information they are acquiring online and via movies to commit crime,” he noted.

He therefore called on residents to think outside of the box, and to think about other ways they can keep pace with the ever advancing crimes.

“We can no longer live in the luxury of self. This is where the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ comes into play. You got to be observant and get more inquisitive whenever you get suspicious of someone’s activities. We can no longer afford to continue living in your comfort zones. Otherwise, you will always be caught napping whenever such crimes occur,” he said.