School uses biometric system and CCTV cameras to monitor students

Karima boys high school Principal Herman Wanjau (left) and his Deputy Samuel Kimu (right) review the closed circuit television CCTV cameras footage at the the school heads offices, January 23, 2017, the schools 2016 special annual general meeting resolved to install the devices to help curb student unrest at a cost of Sh 940, 000 from the schools savings. PHOTO: MOSE SAMMY/STANDARD

As they say, once bitten twice shy. Karima Boys High School has stuck to that old adage, especially when it comes to security matters.

Mid last year, the school was not spared by the wave of unrest that left more than 100 schools closed due to arson attacks.

But for Karima, the script was a little different because an arson attack was thwarted by teachers and the local community.

Since approaching matters the same way and expecting different results is tantamount to insanity, according to one Albert Einstein, the school's administration had to change tack to instil discipline in students.

School Principal Herman Wanjau consulted parents in a bid to chart the way forward and they agreed that the institution be installed with CCTV cameras.

"Parents were even willing to finance the project but due to the strict fees guidelines, we could not allow them... so we dug into our savings," he said.

The institution advertised an open tender in November 2016 and the process of installing 27 cameras inched closer to reality when the lowest bidder, who quoted Sh940,000, was awarded the tender.

The surveillance system was installed while the students were on December holiday, and was up and running by the time they reported for first term in January.

The cameras were installed in common areas except dormitories and bathrooms to preserve the students' privacy.

There are two monitors, one in the school staff room and the other in the principal's office. From these two vantage points, teachers on duty can monitor students without having to move around.

"The system is fair and can store up to one month of recorded data. In time we hope to store the data for a full school term to monitor the progress of the students throughout the three months they are in school," the principal said.

Cameras have left the students with no room for tardiness. Student Deputy President Alex Mugina said students are now self driven.

"It has made instilling discipline much easier for all of us, because now there is no need to be told what you should be doing, you do what needs to be done without being pushed," he explained.

The system provides evidence in case a student breaks the rules.

"Two key areas that we are happy have the cameras are the school laboratories and the perimeter fence as they ensure students cannot sneak any of the dangerous chemicals out of labs and neither can outsiders enter the compound without permission," Wanjau said.

The school also has a biometric registration system for students.

When a student needs to withdraw his pocket money from the school accountant, he uses the biometric automatic teller machine system which requires him to use his thumbprint and a personal identification number.

Immediately a withdrawal is made, an sms is sent to the student's parents or guardians notifying them how much has been withdrawn.

"This system teaches them financial accountability and allows parents to monitor how their children are spending their pocket money and establish whether they are in need of more funds," Wanjau said.

For a student to leave the premises, he must use the thumbprint and pin number at the gate. His parents are automatically informed that the child has left the school or has reported back.

Student President Victor Muiko explained that students are yet to get used to the system.

"It is good for us to interact with this surveillance technology at this point to understand that we should do the right thing even when nobody is around," he said.