Government, Safaricom sign deal for Sh15 billion security surveillance system

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The National Surveillance, Communication and Control System will cover Nairobi and Mombasa.
  • Safaricom is expected to install cameras in the two cities to provide real-time footage to the National Police Operations Centre.

Mobile service provider Safaricom can now start installation of a Sh15 billion security surveillance system after signing an agreement with the government on Tuesday.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku and Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore signed the agreement at Harambee House.

Safaricom is expected to complete the first phase of the project in four months.

The National Surveillance, Communication and Control System will cover Nairobi and Mombasa.

Safaricom is expected to install cameras in the two cities to provide real-time footage to the National Police Operations Centre.

Mr Lenku said the surveillance project would greatly enhance security in the country by providing security agents with the capability to monitor and deter crime.

Mr Collymore said Safaricom would build the system over the next 18 months.

'INTELLIGENT SOLUTION'

“Safaricom will build an intelligent solution that harnesses the power of technology to enable law enforcement officers effectively coordinate and deploy their resources in response to threats to national security and, indeed, emergency situations requiring the interplay of competencies from the National Police Service and various disaster response teams,” he said.

The project was approved in July by the National Assembly Administration and National Security committee at the conclusion of its investigation into the tender award to Safaricom. The committee was satisfied that due diligence had been carried out.

The committee took up the matter following media reports in May that provoked public concern that Safaricom had been awarded the tender for the sensitive security system through direct procurement.
(READ: House team clears Safaricom security tender award)

Safaricom undertook to complete the project and hand over its operations to the National Police Service.

As part of the agreement, the government will use the services at no cost for the first year and start paying for it in annual installments beginning in 2016.