CCTV cameras are widely used across Kenya for homes, shops, offices, and institutions, yet many users still experience common challenges such as black screens, offline cameras, recording failures, and remote viewing issues.
As more people search on Google for answers about CCTV installation, troubleshooting, costs, legality, and performance, certain questions appear repeatedly, especially for popular systems like IP and analog cameras.
The following frequently asked questions and answers address the most common CCTV concerns in Kenya, helping users understand how their systems work, why problems occur, and how to resolve them effectively.
Questions About CCTV Cameras in Kenya and Their Answers.
1. Why is my CCTV camera showing a black screen?
This is usually caused by wrong monitor resolution, faulty HDMI or VGA cable, power issues, or the camera being offline.
2. Why is my CCTV showing “No Signal”?
The DVR or NVR output resolution may not match the monitor, or the display cable is faulty or disconnected.
3. Why is my CCTV camera offline?
The camera may have network issues, wrong IP settings, power failure, or incorrect login credentials.
4. Do CCTV cameras work without internet in Kenya?
Yes. Recording works without internet. Internet is only needed for remote viewing on a phone or computer.
5. Can CCTV cameras work during a power blackout?
Not unless there is a backup power source such as a UPS, inverter, or solar system.
6. What is the best CCTV camera for a shop in Kenya?
A 4MP IP dome camera indoors and a 4MP IP bullet camera outdoors is ideal for most shops.
7. Which CCTV brand is best in Kenya?
Hikvision and Dahua are the most widely used, with strong local support. Tiandy and Uniview are also reliable.
8. How much do CCTV cameras cost in Kenya?
Prices range from KES 1,500 to KES 12,000 per camera, depending on type and resolution.
9. How much does CCTV installation cost in Kenya?
Installation typically costs from KES 2,000 per camera depending on site complexity.
10. Why does my CCTV work during the day but go black at night?
This is usually caused by a faulty infrared sensor or IR filter failure.
11. Can I view my CCTV cameras on my phone?
Yes. Most modern IP and DVR systems support mobile viewing via apps.
12. How long do CCTV recordings last?
This depends on hard disk size, camera resolution, and recording mode. Most systems store 7–30 days.
13. Why is my CCTV not recording?
The hard disk may be faulty, full, not formatted, or recording schedules may be disabled.
14. What is the difference between IP and analog CCTV cameras?
IP cameras use network cables and offer higher quality. Analog cameras use coaxial cables and are cheaper.
15. Why are some cameras working and others not?
This is often caused by power distribution issues, cable faults, or incorrect camera configuration.
16. Can CCTV cameras record audio in Kenya?
Some cameras support audio, but recording audio may raise legal and privacy concerns.
17. Why is my CCTV camera blurry?
Dirty lenses, poor focus, low resolution, or wrong camera placement can cause blurry images.
18. How many CCTV cameras does a shop need?
Small shops usually need 2–4 cameras. Medium shops need 6–10 cameras. Large stores need more.
19. Why does my CCTV keep restarting?
This is commonly caused by power instability, faulty power supplies, or overheating.
20. What hard disk is used in CCTV systems?
Surveillance-grade hard disks designed for 24/7 recording are recommended.
21. Can I add more cameras to my existing CCTV system?
Yes, if the DVR or NVR supports additional channels.
22. Why is remote viewing not working?
This is often due to wrong network settings, internet issues, or blocked ports.
23. Is CCTV legal in Kenya?
Yes. CCTV is legal when used for security and not to violate personal privacy.
24. Can CCTV cameras be hacked?
Poor passwords and outdated firmware can make systems vulnerable. Strong passwords reduce risk.
25. Why is playback working but live view is black?
This may be caused by decoding limitations or firmware issues.
26. What is PoE in IP cameras?
PoE means Power over Ethernet, where one cable carries both power and data.
27. Do Wi-Fi CCTV cameras work well in Kenya?
They work well where Wi-Fi is stable, but wired cameras are more reliable.
28. How do I reset my CCTV camera?
Most cameras have a reset button or reset option in the system menu (Boardtac).
29. Why does my CCTV show “No Video”?
This can be caused by camera failure, power loss, or damaged cables (Boardtac).
30. How often should CCTV systems be serviced?
At least once per year to ensure cameras, cables, storage, and firmware are working correctly.
