By Robert Mutasi 
For years, Eldoret has been celebrated as Kenya’s City of Champions, producing world-renowned athletes and emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing urban centres. But behind the remarkable growth, expanding business district, and rising population lies a challenge confronting many modern cities: security.
It is this reality that has prompted the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to include Eldoret among seven major urban centres earmarked for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras under a nationwide security enhancement programme unveiled by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
The move, which will also cover Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and other key towns, represents one of the most ambitious efforts by the government to modernise crime prevention and law enforcement through technology.
As Eldoret continues its rapid transformation from a regional municipality into a bustling city, authorities say traditional policing alone is no longer sufficient to manage emerging security threats.
The city has experienced significant population growth over the past decade, driven by business expansion, real estate development, educational institutions, and improved infrastructure. New estates continue to emerge on the outskirts, while the central business district attracts thousands of residents, traders, students, and visitors every day.
With this growth has come increased pressure on security agencies.
Cases of petty theft, burglaries, robbery incidents, traffic violations, and occasional violent crimes have highlighted the need for more sophisticated surveillance systems capable of monitoring public spaces around the clock.
According to security experts, CCTV cameras serve as both a preventive and investigative tool. Criminals are often less likely to commit offences in areas where they know their movements are being recorded. At the same time, video footage provides critical evidence that can help investigators identify suspects, reconstruct crime scenes, and secure convictions.
For Eldoret, the cameras are expected to be strategically installed in high-traffic areas including major road intersections, markets, public transport terminals, government facilities, and business centres.
The initiative comes at a time when Eldoret is positioning itself as a major commercial hub for the North Rift region. The city serves as a gateway to western Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and other East African markets, making security a critical factor in attracting investors and sustaining economic growth.
Business leaders have long argued that a safer urban environment encourages investment, boosts consumer confidence, and supports the growth of both local and international enterprises.
The CCTV project is also expected to enhance traffic management. With vehicle numbers steadily increasing, authorities often struggle to monitor reckless driving, traffic violations, and accident-prone zones. Smart surveillance systems can provide real-time monitoring and help traffic officers respond more effectively to incidents.
Another factor driving the project is the growing threat posed by organised criminal networks that increasingly exploit technology and mobility to evade detection. Modern surveillance systems allow security agencies to respond faster and coordinate operations more efficiently than ever before.
The government’s broader vision is to create safer, smarter cities capable of supporting Kenya’s economic ambitions. Officials believe technology-driven policing can significantly reduce response times, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
However, the initiative is also expected to spark conversations about privacy, data protection, and responsible use of surveillance technology. Civil society groups have previously emphasised the need for clear safeguards to ensure that CCTV systems are used strictly for public safety and not for unlawful monitoring of citizens.
For many residents, though, the prospect of enhanced security outweighs those concerns. Parents want safer streets for their children. Business owners want protection for their investments. Commuters want confidence when travelling at night.
As Eldoret continues its journey toward becoming one of Kenya’s most influential urban centres, the installation of CCTV cameras signals more than just a security upgrade. It reflects a city preparing for the future—one where technology, safety, and economic growth are increasingly interconnected.
Whether the cameras ultimately deliver the dramatic reduction in crime envisioned by policymakers remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Eldoret’s security landscape is about to undergo a profound transformation.