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By: Erick Otieno, Laikipia University.
The Kenyan government has announced plans to transform crime prevention by adopting artificial intelligence for real-time reporting and installing extensive CCTV surveillance in public areas and police stations.
Revealed through NTV, the initiative will allow citizens to report incidents instantly via AI-powered platforms, enabling faster response by security agencies. Surveillance cameras placed in busy public spaces are expected to help deter crime and assist in identifying suspects, while those installed in police stations aim to improve transparency and accountability.
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Supporters of the plan describe it as a major boost to public safety. Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok noted that AI will help process alerts and analyze footage quickly, speeding up investigations and bridging the gap between crime and justice.
However, critics have raised concerns about possible misuse, including the risk of officers tampering with footage, particularly in stations where accountability has previously been questioned.
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International Kenya have cautioned that without strong protections—like secure data storage and independent oversight—the system could be abused. Executive Director Irungu Houghton warned that surveillance alone may not address issues like deaths in custody if proper safeguards are not in place.
The rollout will begin in key cities including Nairobi and Mombasa, with police set to receive training on AI tools and data protection in line with the Data Protection Act. The project will be funded through the national budget and support from international partners, with pilot phases expected in the second quarter of 2026.
As the country faces increasing urban crime, the initiative could either strengthen public confidence in law enforcement or highlight existing systemic challenges.
