The Growing Problem of Fake Video Intercom Systems in Kenya.

As modern apartment buildings continue adopting smart security systems, video intercom systems have become very common in residential apartments, gated communities, and commercial buildings. However, many property owners unknowingly end up with counterfeit or generic intercom systems that later become impossible to maintain or support.

At Boardtac solutions, we were recently invited to inspect a video intercom system in a large apartment located in Kilimani Nairobi nairobik.

The apartment consisted of.

• 280 residential units.
• 2 apartment blocks.
• Centralized IP video intercom access system.
• Ground floor tenant and guest entrance control.

The intercom system had reportedly been installed and commissioned by the building’s contractor approximately four years earlier. However, the system had completely failed and the original contractor could no longer be reached for support.

The Main Problem: “Call to Apartment Timeout”.

The apartment management reported that the outdoor intercom station could still read access cards successfully, meaning tenants could still use cards to open the main entrance door.

However, a major feature of the intercom system was completely non-functional.

The system could not call apartments.

Whenever visitors attempted to call any apartment unit from the outdoor station, the system displayed.

“Call to apartment timeout”.

Additionally.

• All indoor intercom monitors inside the 280 apartments were not working.
• Communication between indoor and outdoor stations had completely failed.
• Remote unlocking features were unavailable.
• Audio and video communication was dead across the entire property.

This created a serious inconvenience for both residents and visitors.

Initial Investigation of the Intercom System.

During our technical assessment, the outdoor intercom station physically resembled the Hikvision DS-KD9633-WBE6 Intelligent Video Intercom IP Door Station.

The design, layout, and appearance looked almost identical to the genuine Hikvision product.

However, after deeper inspection, we discovered several unusual issues.

No Manufacturer Name.

The device had no visible manufacturer branding.

There was no company logo on.

• The outdoor station.
• The indoor monitors.
• The packaging documentation available onsite.

No Product Identification Details.

The devices lacked important information such as.

• Model numbers.
• Serial numbers.
• Manufacturer labels.
• Firmware references.
• QR verification stickers.

Suspicious System Information.

When checking the system information through the device settings, there was no proper manufacturer identification appearing inside the software interface.

This was a major red flag.

Genuine intercom systems from recognized manufacturers normally display.

• Manufacturer details.
• Firmware version.
• Device serial number.
• Hardware version.
• Device model information.

The Reality: A Generic Counterfeit Intercom System.

After further investigation, it became clear that the apartment had been installed with a generic counterfeit intercom system designed to imitate the appearance of a genuine Hikvision device.

The system was essentially a copy of the original hardware design but without proper manufacturer support, firmware ecosystem, or quality assurance.

Unfortunately, this is becoming increasingly common in the security industry.

Some counterfeit systems are made to look almost identical to original products externally, making it difficult for clients to notice the difference during installation.

Why Counterfeit Intercom Systems Become a Long-Term Disaster.

Although counterfeit systems may initially appear cheaper during procurement, they often become extremely expensive in the long run.

No Firmware Support.

Without a genuine manufacturer, firmware upgrades become impossible.

This means.

• Security vulnerabilities cannot be patched.
• Bugs cannot be fixed.
• Compatibility issues remain unresolved.
• Devices become unstable over time.

No Technical Support.

When the installer disappears or stops responding, property managers are left stranded because no official manufacturer support exists.

Difficult Troubleshooting.

Without model information or technical documentation, diagnosing issues becomes extremely difficult.

Poor Reliability.

Many counterfeit systems use low-quality internal components that fail after a few years of operation.

No Spare Parts Availability.

Finding compatible replacement components becomes nearly impossible.

Why Genuine Security Systems Matter.

For large apartment buildings with hundreds of tenants, security infrastructure should never be treated as a short-term cost-saving project.

Critical systems like.

• Video intercoms.
• CCTV systems.
• Access control systems.
• Network infrastructure.
• Fire alarm systems.

Should always use genuine enterprise-grade products from verified manufacturers.

A genuine system provides.

• Firmware support.
• Technical documentation.
• Reliable manufacturer ecosystem.
• Better cybersecurity protection.
• Long-term scalability.
• Easier maintenance.
• Spare parts availability.

Important Lessons for Apartment Developers and Property Managers.

Before approving any security system installation, property owners and management teams should always verify.

Product Authenticity.

Always confirm the equipment comes from authorized distributors or verified suppliers.

Manufacturer Information.

Every device should have clear branding, serial numbers, and model details.

Firmware Availability.

Ensure firmware updates and official support channels exist.

Technical Documentation.

A proper system should include manuals, network diagrams, and configuration details.

Contractor Credibility.

Work with experienced contractors who can provide long-term support and accountability.

Final Thoughts.

This Kilimani apartment project highlights a growing problem affecting many buildings today.

Counterfeit security systems may look attractive during installation because they are cheaper and visually similar to original products. However, after a few years, the lack of support, firmware, spare parts, and reliability becomes a major operational problem.

At Boardtac solutions, we continue helping apartments, estates, businesses, and institutions across Kenya install genuine security systems from approved manufactures distributors, diagnose, troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade security infrastructure professionally.

When investing in apartment security systems, choosing genuine products and experienced installers is not just about technology. It is about long-term reliability, tenant safety, and future support.