CCTV cameras, German shepherds boost security at Embu’s Nyangwa High School
Mr Geoffrey Njiru, a guard at Nyangwa Boys High School in Embu with one of the German shepherd dogs used for security at the institution. The school has also installed CCTV cameras which have helped improve security. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The principal said all the security guards are trained by AP officers in a bid to boost their ability to curb crime.
- He said the current spate of unrest by students can be avoided if teachers and students embrace dialogue for early detection of problems.
- The school has over 1,800 students and has been performing well since Mr Musyoka was deployed to the institution five years ago.
- He said the CCTV cameras are only situated along the corridors so as to ensure people’s right to privacy.
A school in Embu County has installed closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, to boost security and monitor the movement of students in the institution.
Nyangwa High School in Mbeere South has also brought in five German shepherd dogs to reinforce security and ward off unwanted intruders into the institution.
The school’s Principal Moshe Musyoka said the initiative that was put in place three years ago has yielded fruit, since cases of student unrests and sneaking have stopped.
He said all the security guards are trained by Administration Police officers in a bid to boost their ability to curb crime.
Speaking to the Nation on Monday, Mr Musyoka, who is also the Mbeere South Sub County Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman, said security and dialogue were integral components in schools.
EMBRACE DIALOGUE
He said the current spate of unrest by students can be avoided if teachers and students embrace dialogue for early detection of problems.
“We talk to our students as many times as possible. I can wake up at 4am when they are going for preps and talk to them for about 10 minutes.
“We don’t hide anything from them. If there is a school that has gone on strike, we inform them what is happening outside there. If there is a school that has been burnt, we let them know,” he said.
The school has over 1,800 students and has been performing well since Mr Musyoka was deployed to the institution five years ago.
OLD SECURITY GUARDS
Mr Musyoka decried situations where schools employed old people as security guards and also fail to motivate them.
“Many of the people looking for employment as security guards are usually too old and retired.
“This is an important sector which should not be for people who can no longer work in other sectors,” he said.
He urged the government to offer salaries to a select cadre of support staff such as watchmen to ensure the job attracts the right people.
He said the CCTV cameras are only situated along the corridors so as to ensure people’s right to privacy.
“We had lost a motorbike belonging to a teacher and many items. The installation of CCTV cameras has improved the students’ morale and helped them relax,” said Mr Musyoka.
