Price guide · updated October 2026
This security systems price guide explains what CCTV, access control, fire alarms, structured cabling, Wi-Fi, UPS power backup and other installations typically cost in Kenya in 2026. It shows indicative ranges, the factors that move a quote up or down and how to compare quotes fairly.
Most people searching for prices want a number. The honest answer is that every site is different, and two quotes for "eight cameras" can differ by more than half for good reasons. Still, you deserve a realistic starting point. This security systems price guide gives indicative ranges for common installations in Kenya, explains what drives each price and shows you how to compare quotes without getting caught out.
How to read these figures
All figures are indicative ranges in Kenya shillings for typical installations in 2026, including equipment, materials, labour and basic configuration, before VAT unless stated. They are not quotes. Your price depends on your site, the equipment brand, cable distances and access. We review this guide every quarter. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Costs and pricing
Every professional quote has five parts. Understanding them makes comparison much easier.
| Part | What it includes | Share of a typical quote |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | Cameras, recorders, readers, panels, detectors, access points, UPS units | 40% to 60% |
| Materials | Cable, conduit, trunking, racks, brackets, connectors | 10% to 20% |
| Labour | Installation, testing and commissioning | 20% to 30% |
| Configuration and training | Software setup, user accounts, handover training | 5% to 10% |
| Extras | Civil work, scaffolding, after-hours work, travel outside Nairobi | Varies |
However, when one quote is far cheaper than others, the gap usually sits in materials or labour: thinner cable, no conduit, no testing or no training. That is why this security systems price guide focuses on what is included, not only the total.
Costs and pricing
First, CCTV prices depend on camera count, camera type, recording days and cable work.
| System | Typical scope | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Home or small shop | 4 IP cameras, 4-channel NVR, 1 TB drive, phone viewing | 60,000 to 120,000 |
| Small office | 8 IP cameras, 8-channel NVR, 2 to 4 TB storage, PoE switch | 120,000 to 250,000 |
| Apartment block | 16 to 24 cameras, 30-day storage, lobby monitor, UPS | 300,000 to 750,000 |
| Warehouse or school | 32 to 64 cameras, long cable runs, poles, larger storage | 800,000 to 2,500,000+ |
In this security systems price guide, the main things that move the CCTV price are 4K or long-range cameras, number-plate cameras, poles and trenching, extra storage and UPS backup. For a full breakdown, read our article on CCTV installation cost in Kenya or see the CCTV installation service page.
Costs and pricing
By contrast, access control is priced mainly per door.
| System | Typical scope | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone door | Card or PIN reader, maglock, exit button, power supply with battery | 35,000 to 70,000 per door |
| Networked door | Reader, controller share, lock, door contact, software | 60,000 to 120,000 per door |
| Biometric attendance terminal | Fingerprint or face terminal, setup, enrolment, reports | 25,000 to 90,000 per terminal |
| Video intercom (home) | Door station, one or two monitors, lock release | 40,000 to 120,000 |
Similarly, what moves the price here is the lock type and door condition, biometric versus card readers, cable distance, software licences and fire alarm links. See access control systems and biometric attendance systems.
Costs and pricing
| System | Typical scope | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Small conventional system | 2 to 4 zones, detectors, call points, sounders for a shop or small office | 80,000 to 250,000 |
| Medium addressable system | Office or apartment block of 3 to 6 floors | 400,000 to 1,500,000 |
| Large addressable system | Hotel, hospital or factory with interfaces | 1,500,000+ |
| Emergency lighting | LED fittings and exit signs | 4,000 to 12,000 per point |
For fire alarms, what moves the price is building size, addressable or conventional technology, beam or aspirating detection, interfaces with doors, lifts and PA, and fire-rated cabling. Read our guide to fire alarm costs and the fire alarm installation page.
Costs and pricing
| Item | Typical scope | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| CAT6 data point | Outlet, panel port, cable, containment share, testing | 4,500 to 8,000 per point |
| CAT6A data point | As above with CAT6A components | 7,000 to 12,000 per point |
| Network cabinet | 12U to 42U rack with patch panels and power strip | 25,000 to 180,000 |
| Business Wi-Fi (small office) | 2 to 4 access points, cabling, controller setup | 90,000 to 220,000 |
| Fibre backbone link | Per link, depending on length and civil work | Quoted after survey |
For cabling, the price moves with cable category, run lengths, containment, ceiling access and after-hours work. See our structured cabling and business Wi-Fi pages, plus the article on cabling cost per point.
Costs and pricing
| System | Typical scope | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|---|
| Line-interactive UPS for CCTV or network cabinet | 1 to 2 kVA, short runtime | 25,000 to 70,000 |
| Online UPS for small server rack | 1 to 3 kVA with about one hour runtime | 60,000 to 250,000 |
| Online UPS for server room | 6 to 20 kVA with external batteries | 400,000 to 2,000,000+ |
| Battery replacement | Per battery set, depending on UPS size | 8,000 to 150,000+ |
For power backup, what moves the price is capacity, online versus line-interactive, battery runtime, electrical works and monitoring. Read our UPS sizing guide and the UPS power backup page.
Costs and pricing
| System | Indicative range (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Single-lane boom barrier with RFID tags and safety devices | 180,000 to 350,000 |
| Background music for a small restaurant | 60,000 to 200,000 |
| Basic PA for a small office or shop | 60,000 to 150,000 |
| CCTV maintenance visit (small system) | 5,000 to 15,000 per visit |
| Fire alarm service visit (small system) | 8,000 to 25,000 per visit |
Meanwhile, larger systems such as X-ray screening, voice evacuation, gas suppression, LED walls and weighbridges are always quoted after a survey because the range is too wide to be useful here.
Costs and pricing
If a quote leaves these out, ask before you sign. A slightly higher price that includes testing, backup and documentation usually costs less over the life of the system.
In most cases, three reasons explain the differences. First, equipment quality: consumer-grade cameras and switches cost less but fail sooner. Second, installation standard: proper containment, labelling and testing take time. Third, what is excluded: some quotes leave out storage, UPS or training to look cheaper. So compare like with like, using the checklist above.
Sometimes it is, but be careful. The cheapest quote often uses lower-grade cable, skips testing or excludes power backup. These gaps show up later as faults, short recording times or failures during outages. In addition, very low prices can signal an installer who will not be around for support. Ask for references and a clear scope before choosing on price alone.
Costs and pricing
If you are preparing a budget before talking to installers, start with the ranges above, then add a contingency of about 10 to 15 percent for site conditions you cannot see yet, such as long cable routes or weak walls. Also budget for yearly maintenance, which is often 5 to 10 percent of the installed value. Because the figures in this security systems price guide are indicative, use them to plan rather than to compare specific offers.
Security Systems Price Guide
Fortunately, there are smart ways to reduce cost:
Costs and pricing
Ultimately, the best way to get a firm price is a site survey. An engineer visits, measures and discusses your needs, then you receive an itemised quote that you can compare with confidence. Prices in this security systems price guide are a starting point; your survey turns them into a real number. Request a priced site survey today, or explore our security systems installation overview.
Prices in Kenya also depend on exchange rates and import duties, which the Kenya Revenue Authority sets out for imported electronics. We update this page each quarter to reflect market changes.
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Differences usually come from equipment quality, installation standard and what is excluded. Cheaper quotes may use consumer-grade parts, thinner cable, no conduit, no testing or no power backup. Compare brands, models, cable type, storage days, testing, training and warranty to see what you are really buying.
Not always. The cheapest quote often leaves out testing, power backup, surge protection or proper containment, which leads to faults later. Ask for an itemised scope, references and warranty terms. A slightly higher quote that includes these usually costs less over the system's life.
No. They are indicative ranges for typical installations in Kenya in 2026. Your price depends on your site, cable distances, equipment brands and access. A site survey gives you a firm, itemised quote.
We review the ranges every quarter, because equipment prices, exchange rates and import costs change. The review date appears at the top of the page.
Tell us about the site. We will arrange a survey, give you a clear written quote and explain the options in plain language.