GE Security, Inc., a business of GE Enterprise Solutions (NYSE: GE), has reiterated its commitment to the provision of integrated security solutions to Kenya and the East African region.
GE Security Sales Manager for East Africa Mr. Isaac Murage told a security conference in Nairobi that the company through its regional headquarters in Nairobi was working with governments and the private sector to provide tailor-made security solutions.
Murage who made a presentation on Design and Implementation of Integrated Electronic Security Systems said private corporate organisations had taken up the company's security systems faster than the public sector mainly government departments.
Murage said the company takes the initiative to train companies that take up GE security systems on use and maintenance.
The three day conference, first of its kind in the region discussed among other issues escalating sophisticated crime, use of technology in tackling crime and how government can engage local communities in combating crime.
According to Murage, adoption of modern integrated security solutions can help companies drastically reduce costs associated with theft, fire and related risks.
"Private enterprises have realised how drastically they can reduce costs by investing in tested integrated security systems. In Kenyan for instance 14 out of the 34 leading banks have adopted GE's integrated security solutions," said Murage.
The conference that drew participation of security experts, managers and investors from across the region came against a background of increased technology aided theft within organisations and sought to come up with practical measures to counter this.
Events Management Solutions managing Director Andrew Karanja said the conferences main aim was to sensitise the private sector to understand and prioritise Security and Safety in their business strategies.
"Security and safety can no longer be taken lightly as it costs business huge sums of money when disaster strikes," said Karanja.
The conference heard that the role played by closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance in urban safety and security cannot be underestimated with Murage adding that GE Systems go beyond just capturing CCTV images but analyzing them as well.
He said while modern CCTV systems are impressive in their compression, analysis and storage capabilities, it is the ability of a CCTV solution to adapt to diverse applications that differentiate truly world-class systems.
"The city of Nairobi is very similar to other global metropolitan centres in its requirements for safety and security infrastructure. However, the city is also unique in its operational and topological considerations. The ability of a system to merge global trends with local needs determines its suitability," he said.
GE Security has been involved in numerous large-scale safety and security projects globally including the 2010 World Cup Stadiums, the Beijing Olympics, the Barcelona and Turin Metro Systems as well as several air and sea ports around the world.
Regionally, GE Security systems are specified at eight of Kenya's largest banks, at the three main GSM operators in East Africa, as well as diverse residential, commercial and manufacturing concerns.
GE Security operates in more than 35 countries globally and has manufacturing and logistics operations in Europe, the US, China and Africa. GE Security is one of the few global manufacturers of electronic security systems to have regional offices for East, West and Southern Africa comprising of both sales and pre-sales resources.
GE Security develops and manufactures electronic security equipment and systems that cover the full spectrum of security applications. From intrusion and fire sensors to integrated control panels, from high-tech cameras and digital video recorders to intelligent networked surveillance systems, from cards and readers to enterprise access control.
In 2008, GE Security opened its Pro Express dealer shop in Nairobi, operated by Unisafe Limited. Located at Landmark Plaza, this facility is the first of its kind in Africa. The Pro Express storefront approach was launched in 2007. The shops act as a convenient one-stop shop, providing small and medium installer's easy access to GE Security products as well as offering specialized training. The shops also offer live product demonstrations, optimal service and technical assistance to for security industry professionals and keeps customers updated on the company's complete product range.
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Justus Waimiri
Amy Knoten