Why having CCTV cameras in Nakuru city is a good idea
CCTV camera near Mburu Gichua roundabout.
The implementation of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera system by Nakuru City management in various streets and public spaces is expected to improve security in Nakuru city centre.
City Manager Gitau Thabanja has highlighted that although there has been an increase in insecurity in the city, there is a concerning trend of unreported insecurity cases especially in cases of pickpocketing.
Despite this, a few individuals have utilized the CCTV footage to pursue legal actions against wrongdoers, particularly in cases of car break-ins along busy streets like Kenyatta Avenue and Government Road.
"It's important to note that the CCTV system is under the exclusive control of the city board. Anyone seeking access to the footage must submit a formal request," Thabanja notes.
Kelvin Korir, an Assistant System Administrator at Merica Hotel, attests to the vital role CCTV played in resolving a recent theft case outside their establishment.
"By combining footage from our establishment with that from the street CCTV, we were able to identify the car used by the culprit," he says.
Korir notes that although this case is still pending, the CCTV technology proved instrumental in tracking the movements of the thieves around the city and the vehicle they were using.
In a phone interview, Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara acknowledged the positive impact of this initiative on the city's security.
"Although no cases have been fully resolved yet, there is a need to extend this system to the city's outskirts, where insecurity issues are on the rise," he notes.
Kibaara also pointed out that while the CCTV system is not yet integrated into the police monitoring system, it has significantly assisted law enforcement efforts within the city, especially in areas equipped with these cameras.
He called for increased collaboration between the city management and law enforcement agencies to ensure the sustained improvement of security in Nakuru City.