CCTV for offices: how many cameras you need and where to put them
A typical office needs about 6 CCTV cameras — 2 to cover the essentials (main entrance, reception), up to 6 for complete coverage. Below is a placement map, the right camera type for each spot, a 8-channel recorder with 2 TB of storage and a complete kit with prices in Kenya.
Where to place CCTV cameras in a office
Recommended plan for a medium-sized office — 6 cameras. Numbers match the table below.
| # | Area | Camera | Qty | Why it goes here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main entranceEssential | Eyeball | 1 | Identifies everyone who comes in, including after hours. |
| 2 | ReceptionEssential | Dome | 1 | Records visitors signing in and anything handed over at the front desk. |
| 3 | Corridors | Dome | 2 | Shows movement between offices on every floor. |
| 4 | Open-plan area | Fisheye | 1 | One ceiling fisheye covers the whole open-plan floor. |
| 5 | Server / records room | Dome | 1 | Protects equipment and confidential files; pairs well with access control on the door. |
Which cameras to use
Eyeball (turret) camera
Compact 4MP camera with a wide 2.8 mm lens and infrared night vision. Easy to aim, no glare from the dome cover.
Best for: Entrances, receptions and doors — anywhere you need clear faces.
Vandal-proof dome camera
Tough, tamper-resistant dome housing that hides where the lens is pointing.
Best for: Tills, cash offices, corridors and anywhere within reach of people.
360° fisheye camera
Mounted on the ceiling, one fisheye camera sees the whole room with no blind spots.
Best for: Open shop floors, halls, open-plan offices and dining areas.
Recorder, storage and cabling
For 6 cameras use a 8-channel PoE NVR (it powers the cameras through the network cable) with a 2 TB surveillance hard drive — about 14 days of continuous 4MP recording. Allow roughly 232 m of Cat6 cable, and a UPS so the system keeps recording during power cuts.
Complete kit & prices
- Dahua IPC-HDW5442TM-ASE 4MP WizMind IR Eyeball Network Camera × 1 KSh 12,000
- Dahua IPC-HDBW5442R-ASE 4MP Vandal-proof Dome WizMind Network Camera × 4 KSh 112,000
- Dahua IPC-EW5541-AS 5MP WizMind IR Fisheye Network Camera × 1 KSh 25,000
- Dahua NVR5216-16P-EI 16-Channel 2HDD PoE Network Video Recorder × 1 KSh 45,000
- 2 TB surveillance hard drive (quoted) × 1 —
- Cat6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable × 1 KSh 10,000
- UPS backup power (1 kVA) (quoted) × 1 —
In-stock equipment: KSh 204,000+ 2 TB surveillance hard drive, UPS backup power (1 kVA) (quoted)
Adjust to your office & add to cartFrequently asked questions
How many CCTV cameras does an office need?
A small office usually needs 3 to 5 cameras: entrance, reception, the main working area and any server or records room. Add one camera per corridor on each extra floor.
Is it legal to record staff in an office in Kenya?
CCTV for security is common in workplaces. Tell staff and visitors that cameras are in use (signage helps), keep cameras out of private areas such as washrooms, and handle footage in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
What recorder and storage does a office CCTV system need?
For about 6 cameras, a 8-channel PoE network video recorder (NVR) with a 2 TB surveillance hard drive keeps roughly 14 days of continuous 4MP footage.
Can Kefa Solutions install CCTV for my office?
Yes. Kefa Solutions technicians survey the site, recommend camera positions, install and configure the system, and set up viewing on your phone. Use the CCTV planner to send your plan and request a call back.