Most property owners and landlords are spending a substantial amount of funds to procure the latest security systems, writes PATRICK GITHINJI

In a bid to address the runaway crime in the city and other urban areas, developers are increasingly deploying technology systems.

A survey by Tech.Insight has established that most owners and landlords are spending substantial amount of funds to procure the latest security systems.

One such building is West End Towers located along Waiyaki Way off Muthangari Drive.

According to Rakhee Kantaria, Director Econic, the developers of West End Towers, the building is designed to guarantee maximum safety to occupants.

"Whether a property is owner-occupied or tenant-occupied, providing airtight security to ensure the safety of people and protection of intellectual and physical property is essential to us," Ms Kantaria says.

She says the new system is aimed at aimed at arming human security personnel with advanced technology in the wake of global insecurity.

Among the security features that have been fitted in the building includes intrusion detectors, access control, and video surveillance.

Video analytics

Other features include video analytics and biometrics systems — features that Kantaria says are tailor-made to meet the needs of the occupants.

The system’s access card is connected to a real-time online network TCP/IP based intelligent access controllers.

This helps monitor the movements of the card are seamlessly recorded.

The architecture of this system is connected both to the building’s internal security as well as being wired off-site.

"By integrating these separate security systems under one flexible security system, we are now able to meet future needs," Kantaria argues.

Kantaria says more security features will be installed once the building is complete.

Controlled access

"The building will be installed with a biometric reader at every entry point - fingerprint templates will be stored in the system to allow controlled access," she says, adding that separate secure relay units will be installed inside the user’s main entry door on each floor to eliminate any security breaches."

A few metres away from West End Towers still along Waiyaki Way are Panari Apartments.

The apartments are fitted with bulletproof doors and surveillance software. Using complex algorithms, CCTV operators can zero in on abnormal behaviour on site.

"We have installed smart video software that looks for specific activities such as a package left unattended for several minutes," says Panari Hotel Managing Director Patrick Marekia.

"In parking garages, the video looks out for behaviour called "looping" from car to car as a thief tries to break into vehicles."

The latest deployment of the high-end security systems comes at a time when Kenya Security Industry Association (KSIA) has sounded alarm over fake metal detectors.

"These detectors, most of them imported from Taiwan and Dubai, produce a hissing sound without detecting anything," said Enock Makanga, General Manager, Fidelity Security, a member of KSIA.

"Quacks have invaded the market with fake screening equipments and are fleecing business establishments and putting at risk the lives of innocent members of the public."

Makanga urges Kenya Bureau of Standards to intervene in order to contain the importation of fake detectors.

Security within Nairobi has been enhanced in the recent past due to the threat of al-Shabab attacks as Kenya launches a military offensive against the terrorist organisation inside Somalia.

Last month, the Nairobi Central Business District Association (NCBDA) reported that Nairobi city was losing close to Sh100 million daily due to the threat of Al Shabaab.

"Some malls that used to record close to 1,000 people especially in the evening are now facing tremendous challenges. At times now, they only have 30 people, half of whom are security officers," says NCBDA Chairman Timothy Muriuki.

Quoting a survey carried out by NCBDA, Muriuki said there has been a sharp decline in business within the city.

Those affected include malls, bars, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants.

Muriuki challenged business owners to install modern surveillance systems.

He said the association would not allow Nairobi, which is the economic hub in the region to operate like the lawless Mogadishu and watch as mega businesses collapse.

"We are asking the police to stem the proliferation of dangerous weapons through borders. However, as citizens, we must also be vigilant and weed out suspicious people from our midst," he said.

Security training

Echoing Muriuki’s sentiments, SENACA Group Chief Executive Officer Terry Downes urged businesses in the city to take a leading role in helping to contain the prevailing situation through training their personnel on security management.

"A number of security personnel manning business premises in the city do not have a clue of what a bomb looks like," Downess said.

He called on the business community to work in partnership with local security providers to ensure coordinated security within the entire CBD.