Nairobi Round-up Report
In early 2023, Edgelands Nairobi began a comprehensive study on the historical development of surveillance and policing in Kenya’s capital. The resulting diagnostic report traces the evolution of these systems from the colonial period to the present, highlighting how early structures shaped enduring patterns of limited cooperation between law enforcement and the public. It also examines Kenya’s growing investment in surveillance infrastructure, the challenges facing policing institutions, and the rise of cybercrime against a backdrop of socioeconomic pressures.
This report outlines several considerations for policy and governance:
By unpacking the complexities of Nairobi’s surveillance ecosystem, it provides a valuable foundation for policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors seeking to balance security imperatives with democratic principles.