Resident Association, Safaricom partner to heighten estate security.
BY ACHUTI WYCLIFFE
Kenya Alliance of Resident Association and Safaricom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at curbing the escalating levels of insecurity in estates. The rising cases of burglary have brought agony and losses to both residents and developers as some properties have been shun. But now residents have a sigh of relief as the partnership will see giant telecommunication services provider Safaricom install systems that are vital in deploying security technology. The systems will be used to raise security in estates a notch higher and help provide reliable and effective solutions.
Kenya Alliance of Residents Association chief executive officer Henry Ochieng said the partnership is one of the incentives the association has decided to embrace to guarantee resident safety is paramount. “We look forward in working with Safaricom in tackling the services delivery challenges that many Kenyans face in their neighborhoods,” adding it would inspire the association’s efforts to ensure living spaces are secure and have quick response units in case of emergencies.
According to Mr. Henry, the private sector has a crucial role to play in addressing and supporting key issues like security that undermine the growth of communities.
Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore and KARA CEO Henry Ochieng during the signing of the MoU.
Safaricom will lay out, install and manage telecommunication systems that will be used to beef up security in estates. “We will employ technology, including close circuit televisions, electromagnetic fields and Base Transmission systems to address estate insecurity,” said Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore. “Insecurity is a challenge that’s emerging every day,” he noted, saying that technology would ideally serve for security purposes due to its efficiency and one-stop monitoring and operation station.
Besides security systems, Safaricom will also lay out fiber optic cables to provide internet in estates. “Technology offers a huge opportunity to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods and across the country,” said Mr. Collymore. He added that in line with Safaricom’s agenda to transform the lives of Kenyans, the partnership is a bridge towards creating solutions that foster sustainable developments in neighborhoods.
The partnership will see installation of CCTV cameras to boost estate security.
Safaricom has embarked on numerous initiatives to escalate security, for instance educating its customers on toll free numbers to dial in case of suspicion of fraud. The company has also kicked off a pilot project on solar powered street lighting and has also zoned out specific Wi-Fi hotspots in Nairobi.