Way forward for the Security Sector in Nairobi

Insecurity continues to present one major concern to the county residents, with the business community in Nairobi county ranking insecurity at 69.6% as one of the main factors undermining business. Further ,70% of investors in Kenya indicate crime,theft and disorder as major concerns.This problem is prevalent due to terrorism, high unemployment among the youth,lack of lighting, corruption by enforcement officer,low morale on the part of law enforcement officers and lack of coordinated efforts in all sectors responsible for enhancing security.

Insecurity is estimated to cost investors in the county of Nairobi hundreds of millions of shillings every month,with major operating costs going towards security enhancement, private security services and other security upgrades.It has also contributed to loss of new investments both local and foreign, due to the need for a large operating costs budget as a result of the need for extra investment on security measures.

The county needs to invest in electronic surveillance and street monitoring system. This can be achieved through installation of CCTv cameras in the central business district, industrial areas and residential estates including in informal settlements.

Hastening the street lighting project in Nairobi will increase the voltage watt of street light masts from 200V to 400V. Further,to save on security energy and consequently the taxes payable by residents of the county,decentralize the street lights switching control tower,while converting it to a manual system. Nairobi should partner with this private sector to upgrade street and neighbouring lighting since criminal take advantage of poorly lit environments.

The county should establish an effective county police service in coordination with the national government since insecurity is a national problem. Increasing police night patrols as well as police visibility will deter criminal behavior especially in high risk areas including Dandora,Gikomba and Kayole where illegal connections of power hamper CCTv installations and other electricity powered security measures.

A collaboration with this private sector will help in creating youth employment programs and labour intensive technologies to absorb the idle youth and address unemployment, which is a root cause of crime.