In Nairobi right now, you’ll likely see a massive billboard or shop signs advertising Chinese surveillance brands on almost every street.
Dahua, HikVision, and other camera systems dominate the city skyline just as much as real estate cranes.
What you may not know is that this CCTV boom was created by the Chinese themselves.
Back in January 2017, while still working as a journalist, I visited Twyford Tiles, a newly established Chinese tile manufacturer in Kajiado, just off Namanga Road. The factory had launched the previous December, and I was tasked with exploring how it hoped to impact Kenya’s construction industry.
The visit, however, revealed something bigger than tiles.
It showcased a management culture that has since become one of the strongest drivers of the surveillance equipment market in Kenya.
Chinese Companies and the CCTV Culture
Inside the factory, I noticed two things immediately:
- Language barriers with locals.
Many Chinese managers struggled to communicate and often avoided direct engagement. - Heavy reliance on CCTV systems.
Surveillance cameras were everywhere, backed by large control rooms. Instead of relying on Kenyan foremen or lengthy confrontation, Chinese project managers in Kenya used CCTV to monitor, discipline, and even replace workers.
Misconduct, whether it was theft, ignoring safety rules, or unauthorized breaks, was swiftly handled through video evidence.
No debates, no appeals.
Outside the gate, young Maasai morans waited to see if layoffs had opened new opportunities.
It became clear, in Chinese-run projects, CCTV was the silent supervisor that shaped labor turnover.
Surveillance Demand in Chinese Construction Projects
Over the years, the Chinese footprint in Kenya has grown from highways to skyscrapers, from government-funded infrastructure to private real estate.
Today, Nairobi’s morning matatus heading to Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Westlands are packed with mjengo guys reporting to Chinese-funded sites.
For context, the story of Twyford Tiles in Kajiado is not just a personal observation but part of a broader narrative that has attracted international coverage.
Outlets such as Caixin Global have documented how Chinese companies like Twyford have expanded into Africa, shaping industries from construction materials to large-scale infrastructure.
Linking these developments to the surveillance culture on project sites shows just how intertwined Chinese investment and local market opportunities have become in Kenya.
But while the scale of these projects has provided thousands of jobs, managing large local workforces has remained a headache for Chinese managers who neither trust Kenyan foremen nor prefer direct confrontation.
The solution? Surveillance cameras, everywhere.
- Construction sites and factories now feature extensive CCTV systems.
- Control rooms have become standard in new installations.
- Investors overseas demand live video streams to verify progress and protect billion-shilling projects.
This approach has directly created a booming market for surveillance products in Kenya, especially among suppliers who understand the unique needs of Chinese clients.
Instant Device: Trusted Supplier of CCTV in Kenya
At Instant Device, we have positioned ourselves at the heart of this market by supplying Dahua and HikVision products in Kenya, two of the world’s most trusted CCTV brands and favorites of Chinese clients.
But our work goes beyond sales:
- Surveillance Consultation & Troubleshooting
We help identify loopholes such as blind spots and camera tampering, ensuring full coverage on construction sites. - After-Sales Service & Repairs
Construction environments are tough on equipment. We coordinate repairs and maintenance with Dahua and HikVision service centers, keeping systems running without interruption. - Adaptability to Market Needs
By understanding how Chinese contractors in Kenya operate, we deliver solutions tailored to their strict oversight and investor reporting requirements.
Conclusion
From a factory in Kajiado to the skyscrapers shaping Nairobi’s skyline, Chinese companies in Kenya have brought with them a management style deeply rooted in surveillance.
This has fueled a steady demand for CCTV systems, making surveillance suppliers in Kenya an essential part of the construction ecosystem.
At Instant Device, we remain committed to meeting this demand by providing Dahua Kenya and HikVision Kenya solutions, backed with expert support and reliable after-sales service.
For Kenyan suppliers, this isn’t just business, it’s a long-term market created at the intersection of global investment, local labor, and the quiet authority of surveillance cameras.
