The government is preparing to introduce a multi-billion-shilling facial recognition surveillance system aimed at strengthening security operations and improving the identification of individuals involved in criminal activities during public demonstrations.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the proposed system, estimated to cost between KSh22 billion and KSh25 billion, is currently in the final stages of procurement and could be rolled out within the next three to six months.
Surveillance network to cover major cities
According to Murkomen, the technology will initially be deployed in six major urban centres and linked to a central command platform that integrates surveillance cameras with national identity databases.
The system is expected to enable security agencies to quickly identify suspects accused of engaging in acts such as looting, vandalism, and destruction of property during protests and other public gatherings.
Murkomen noted that the project may be implemented in phases, with financing expected to come from both government allocations and private-sector partnerships.
Government cites rising protest-related violence
The Interior CS said the planned investment has been driven by recurring incidents of violence during demonstrations, where criminal elements allegedly infiltrate otherwise peaceful protests.
He argued that authorities have faced increasing challenges dealing with individuals who blend into crowds before participating in acts of violence and property destruction.
According to Murkomen, some groups operate informally and are allegedly mobilized for specific political activities, making them difficult to identify using conventional policing methods.
“These individuals often appear as ordinary participants before engaging in criminal activities once demonstrations begin,” he said.
Concerns over criminal networks
Murkomen warned that if such groups are not addressed early, they could evolve into more organized criminal networks.
He compared the phenomenon to other criminal gangs operating in different parts of the country, some of which are associated with activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal land invasions.
The CS said the government intends to use modern technology and intelligence-led policing to address emerging security threats while improving public safety.
Security preparations ahead of June 25 demonstrations
As the country prepares for demonstrations marking the anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests, Murkomen said security agencies are developing strategies to maintain law and order while safeguarding constitutional rights.
He explained that police officers often face difficult operational conditions when dealing with large crowds and must balance enforcement actions with the need to prevent escalation.
Murkomen added that intelligence gathered on individuals suspected of organizing or financing violence is primarily used to guide security planning and cannot automatically result in prosecution without supporting evidence.
Government rules out media shutdown
The Interior CS also dismissed concerns that authorities could restrict media operations or shut down communication platforms during the demonstrations.
He said the government remains committed to protecting press freedom and constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
However, Murkomen urged media organizations to exercise professionalism in their reporting and avoid content that could inflame tensions.
While reaffirming the right of Kenyans to protest peacefully, he stressed that criminal acts such as arson, looting, and destruction of property are not protected under the Constitution and should be treated as offences under the law.
The proposed facial recognition project is expected to become one of Kenya’s largest security technology investments, reflecting the government’s growing focus on digital surveillance and intelligence-driven policing.
