How Many CCTV Cameras Does Your Nairobi Shop or Home Actually Need?
Updated: 16 hours ago
Most people either massively over-plan a CCTV system (eight cameras for a one-room shop) or under-plan it (one camera pointed at the till, with every other entrance blind). The right number depends on entrances and blind spots, not square footage.
Where cameras actually matter
Every entrance and exit — front door, back door, staff entrance — needs its own camera, because footage of someone's face as they walk in is worth more than a wide shot of the whole room. After entrances, prioritise the till/cash point, stockroom door, and parking area if you have one.
1-room shop: 2–4 cameras (entrance, till, one wide interior angle, back door if present)
Multi-room shop or small office: 4–8 cameras covering every entrance plus key interior points
Home compound: cameras at the gate, main door, and any side access, ideally with a doorbell camera
Hikvision or Hiksemi, and how much storage
Hikvision remains the standard recommendation in Kenya for reliability and local support availability; Hiksemi offers a more budget-friendly line for smaller setups. For storage, 7–14 days of continuous recording is a reasonable default for a small shop — enough to review after a weekend, but not so much that you're paying for an oversized hard drive you don't need.
Don't skip the installation
A camera mounted at the wrong height or angle, or wired without surge protection, is a common reason systems fail exactly when they're needed. Professional installation and setup of remote viewing on your phone is worth paying for over a DIY job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CCTV cameras does a small shop in Nairobi need?
Most small shops need 2 to 4 cameras: one covering the entrance, one on the till area, and one or two covering any other doors or blind spots.
How long should CCTV footage be stored?
7 to 14 days is a practical default for most small businesses — enough time to review an incident reported a few days later without paying for excessive storage.
Can I view my CCTV cameras remotely on my phone in Kenya?
Yes, modern Hikvision and Hiksemi systems support remote viewing over the internet through a mobile app, set up at installation.
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