Kenya Police to install CCTV cameras in 1,200 stations, roll out digital OB by end of 2026

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled a comprehensive digitalization initiative for Kenya's National Police Service. The ambitious plan, set to be completed by the end of 2026, will see all 1,200 police stations equipped with CCTV cameras and digital occurrence books (OBs). This digitalization drive aims to enhance police accountability, modernize crime reporting and bolster the force's capacity to counter security threats.

Murkomen highlighted the existing digital transformation, citing the swift issuance of police clearance certificates, previously taking weeks or months. The new Integrated Command and Control Centre and Communication Centre, expected to be largely rolled out by year-end, will interconnect police stations, bolster coordination, and improve communication among officers responding to security incidents.

A cornerstone of the programme is the installation of CCTV cameras in every police station, addressing concerns over the treatment of arrested individuals. Murkomen emphasized that the cameras will provide digital records of activities within police facilities, potentially strengthening accountability in cases of alleged misconduct.

The deployment of cameras across all 1,200 stations is anticipated to be a pivotal element in the government's broader efforts to modernize policing and boost public confidence in the service. Initially, command centres will be established in six key counties—the capitals of Nairobi, Mombasa, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisumu. These centers will streamline information flow between police units, facilitating faster coordination during emergencies and crime investigations.

Another critical component is the introduction of a digital occurrence book, enabling the public to report crimes electronically from any location. This system will facilitate reporting from offices or crime scenes, generating structured crime data that can identify patterns and guide policing strategies. The implementation will extend beyond digital reporting and surveillance, incorporating data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize officer deployment based on real-time crime data.