Fake security cameras have probably been around as long as real security cameras, however Nairobis’ investment of Sh437 Million cameras can only be compared to scarecrows since most of the CCTV cameras installed within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) are not working.
The Public Accounts Committee heard that a total of 42 cameras installed by the defunct Metropolitan Ministry in 2012 were out of commission due to lack of maintenance.
Nairobi County Transport and Infrastructure acting Chief Officer Frederick Karanja told the committee that the Sh437 Million cameras were never officially handed over by the now defunct ministry.
“After they were installed, the cameras were operational for a while but as of today, I can confirm no camera is working due to lack of maintenance.
“City Hall is unable to repair and maintain the cameras because some systems are still under lock and key. If the Government can officially hand it over to the county then we will be able to include it in our budget,” Karanja stated.
According to reports, there is a stand-off between the county government and the national government over who should take up responsibility for the surveillance gadgets.
Members of County Assembly (MCAs) were shocked by the discovery and raised concerns over the security risks posed by the apparent breach.
The project was conceptualised as a security project which would involve installation of security cameras, vehicle number plate recognition cameras, rehabilitation of signalised junctions and construction of one main control centre at Nairobi area police headquarters at Milimani and the redundant control centre at City Hall Annex.
Six years later, the chief officer confirmed that the project is still under the Chinese firm’s control, making it impossible to repair and maintain the cameras.
SH7.2M REPAIRS
Mr Karanja said the company wants to be paid Sh7.2 million to repair the cameras and hand over the project to the county government.
“We had pledged to pay before the contractor could resume maintenance works and subsequent handover of the project to us but we are yet to settle the bill and that is why the contractor has not resumed the project maintenance,” said Mr Karanja.
But the PAC Chairman Wilfred Odalo faulted the City Hall for assuming responsibility for damages they did not cause.
In response, Mr Karanja said the pledge was made because of security is a priority given recent terror attack in the city at the Dusit hotel complex.
In May 2018, it was revealed that 26 of the CCTV cameras — installed in major roads such as Moi Avenue, Uhuru Highway, Kenyatta Avenue and Tom Mboya Street — were not working.
Those installed along University Way and at Lusaka Roundabout have also stopped working after they were damaged by students and a contractor respectively.
The committee resolved to invite the contractor in its next sitting to shed more light on the issue.