CCTV FOR HOMES & BUSINESSES IN KENYA

Plan a CCTV setup that fits your property.

Choosing a CCTV system starts with what you need to see: your entrance, shop counter, parking area or perimeter. BigTech CCTVs can help you choose equipment and discuss your installation or upgrade requirements.

1. Decide what each camera needs to capture

List the areas you want to monitor and the detail you need in each one. An overview of a yard needs a different camera position and lens from a clear view of someone entering a doorway. Think about mounting height, distance, lighting, obstacles and access for maintenance. A larger megapixel number alone does not guarantee useful identification at a distance.

For outdoor positions, check the camera's weather protection rating and mounting requirements. For night monitoring, compare infrared and colour night vision against the light available at your property. Avoid pointing cameras directly into strong lights, and consider reflections from nearby walls or glass.

2. Match cameras to a compatible recorder

An IP camera system typically records to a network video recorder (NVR). A power over Ethernet (PoE) camera can receive power and data through one Ethernet cable when connected to compatible PoE equipment. Check the recorder's supported resolution, channel count, recording bandwidth and camera compatibility.

An analogue camera system usually uses a digital video recorder (DVR). Existing coaxial cabling may be useful for an upgrade, but the recorder must support the camera's signal format and resolution. Before buying replacement equipment, share your existing model numbers and cabling details with us.

3. Plan storage and power

Recording time depends on the number of cameras, bitrate, resolution, frame rate, compression settings and whether recording is continuous or triggered by events. Ask for a storage estimate based on your intended retention period, rather than assuming one hard drive size will suit every system.

Check the recorder's supported hard drives and capacity. Include the power needs of cameras, the recorder and network equipment when discussing backup power. A camera system also needs suitable cabling, connectors and secure mounting accessories.

4. Set up viewing and secure access

Local recording and remote viewing have different connectivity requirements. Ask which functions work without an internet connection and which need one. For remote access, use the manufacturer's supported setup, strong unique passwords and current firmware. Avoid exposing recorder administration directly to the public internet.

Place cameras with privacy in mind and limit access to recordings to people who need it. Before an installation is finished, test live images, playback, night performance, time settings, recording schedules and any remote viewing features you requested.

What affects a CCTV installation quote?

The camera count and specifications, recorder, storage, cable lengths, mounting surfaces, building access, networking and backup power all affect the scope. Tell us your town or county, property type, areas to cover, existing equipment and approximate budget. Ask for an itemised quote that states whether installation, storage, accessories and configuration are included.

Common CCTV setup questions

How many cameras do I need?

Start with the areas to cover and the views you need, rather than a fixed camera count. Share a simple layout or list of locations so the proposed system can account for blind spots and future expansion.

Can I use cameras from different brands?

Sometimes, but compatibility and available features vary. Check the exact camera and recorder models, supported standards and firmware before ordering. Basic video compatibility does not guarantee every analytics or audio feature will work.

Can I upgrade my current CCTV system?

Potentially. Provide the recorder and camera model numbers, cable type, current storage and the improvements you want. This helps identify what can be retained and which parts need replacing.

Does every package include installation?

Check the individual package details and confirm the scope in your quote. Camera count, storage and installation inclusions can vary. Travel, extra cable runs or difficult mounting locations may need separate discussion.

Build your shortlist

Explore our security product categories, compare available brands, browse CCTV packages, or read the security journal. When you are ready, send your requirements for an equipment and installation discussion.