The Truth About Cheap CCTV Cameras in Kenya – Why “Cheap is Truth About cheap cctv cameras in Kenya”.
In Kenya, the market is flooded with cheap CCTV cameras such as bulb cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, nanny cams with SD cards, and unbranded security cameras sold in electronic shops or online marketplaces.
At first, the low price looks attractive, especially for homeowners trying to save money. But the reality is that these devices often create more losses than protection.
Before you spend money on a cheap camera, here’s everything you need to know.
1. Poor Image Quality.
Most cheap CCTV cameras produce blurry, grainy, or pixelated footage, especially at night.
When an incident happens—like a break-in, theft, or destruction—you may never identify the person because the image is too poor.
For security, clarity is everything. If a camera can’t capture faces or number plates, it has failed.
2. Unreliable Performance.
Cheap cameras have a high chance of:
• Not recording consistently.
• Freezing or going offline.
• Failing after a few months.
• Corrupting SD cards.
• Overheating during use.
Many homeowners complain that their nanny camera or bulb camera stopped working after a short time, leaving them with no evidence when something goes wrong.
3. No Warranty, No Support.
This is one of the biggest problems with cheap CCTV sellers in Kenya.
Most small shops and roadside vendors will tell you:
“When you bought it, we tested it and it was working. If it spoiled, you are the one who spoiled it.”
They will blame:
• Your electricity.
• Your wiring.
• Your router.
• Your power outage.
• Or claim you mishandled it.
This means your money is gone, and you have to buy another camera.
Reputable CCTV suppliers like Boardtac Solutions provide warranty, support, installation guidance, and replacement options—something you will never get with cheap sellers.
4. High Security Risks.
Cheap cameras often have:
• Weak passwords.
• Outdated firmware.
• Unknown manufacturers.
• No cybersecurity protection.
This exposes your home or business to hacking. Intruders can view your cameras, disable them, or even access footage.
Your security system should never put you in danger.
5. Short Lifespan.
Most cheap CCTV devices are made from low-quality components. They may work for a short period, then suddenly die. And since they have no support or warranty, you lose your entire investment.
In reality, the “cheap” route becomes more expensive because you end up buying replacements repeatedly.
6. Compatibility Problems.
Many cheap cameras:
• Can’t connect to proper NVRs.
• Can’t integrate into a full CCTV system.
• Use unreliable apps.
• Require only SD card storage.
• Have limited viewing distance.
For example, some bulb cameras can only record to a small SD card, which fills up quickly or gets corrupted. When you urgently need footage, it’s missing.
Review: Cheap Nanny Cameras & Bulb Cameras.
These are extremely popular in Kenya, but they come with major challenges.
Pros:
• Very affordable.
• Easy to install.
• Portable.
Cons:
• Only record to SD card.
• Footage easily gets overwritten.
• Poor night vision.
• Frequent overheating.
• Short lifespan.
• Unreliable apps.
• Can be hacked.
• Easy for intruders to notice and remove.
• No warranty or repair support.
These cameras should never be used as your main security system. They are only suitable for temporary or non-critical monitoring—but even then, the reliability is questionable.
Why Cheap is Expensive.
When you consider replacement costs, lost footage, downtime, and zero support, you end up spending two to three times more than investing in a proper CCTV system from the start.
A professional CCTV system offers:
• HD, Full HD, or 4K quality.
• Audio recording.
• 24/7 reliable monitoring.
• Mobile viewing.
• Motion detection alerts.
• Night vision.
• Professional installation.
• Warranty and after-sales support.
Conclusion: Protect What Matters—Choose Wisely.
CCTV is an investment in safety, evidence, and peace of mind. Cheap cameras give you the opposite—stress, loss, and disappointment.
Whether you’re securing your home, business, office, school, farm, church, or apartment complex, always choose reliable brands and professional installers.
Boardtac Solutions provides high-quality CCTV cameras, professional installation, warranty, and long-term support across Kenya.
If you want a system that you can trust for years—not weeks—feel free to reach out for advice or installation.
