How to Choose a CCTV Camera in Kenya: The Complete 2026 Buying Guide

Use this CCTV camera buying guide Kenya shoppers can rely on: the right camera is the one that connects, records and stays powered where you will actually mount it. Start with the connection (4G, WiFi or a hidden pinhole), then match resolution, night vision, storage, power and the app to your site.

Step 1: How the camera connects: 4G, WiFi or hidden

Pick the connection first, because it decides where the camera can go. A 4G camera takes a SIM card and streams over the mobile network, so it works where there is no WiFi. A WiFi camera joins a wireless network at the site. A hidden pinhole camera is a small unit you place on a shelf or counter, not a wall-mounted outdoor camera.

For a gate, farm or construction site with no WiFi, choose 4G. For a room with a light socket, the YIOT bulb camera screws into a standard E27 socket and needs no separate wiring or mount. For a counter or rental unit, a compact pinhole model is less obtrusive.

Our 4G vs WiFi comparison goes deeper into which connection suits which site.

Step 2: Resolution: what 1080p, 4MP and 5MP actually mean

Resolution is the amount of detail in each frame. Higher numbers give you more pixels to work with, which helps when you need to identify a person or read a plate at a distance. In our range, the Mini Pinhole WiFi Security Camera records 1080p, the V380 PRO 4G Solar and the 4G Solar DUAL Lens are 4MP, and the YIOT WiFi PTZ Bulb Camera is 5MP.

Do not buy on resolution alone. A 4MP camera with a poor night vision range will underperform a well-placed 1080p unit. Think about the distance from camera to subject and the lighting at night.

• Indoor shelf or counter: 1080p is enough for a close view.
• Room coverage with pan and tilt: 4MP or 5MP gives more detail when zooming.
• Outdoor gate or yard: 4MP with 20m night vision on the 4G models.

Step 3: Night vision: IR versus colour night vision

Night vision range tells you how far the camera can see in the dark. The Mini Pinhole and YIOT bulb cameras both list 10m night vision; the two 4G solar models list 20m. The YIOT bulb camera uses colour night vision up to 10 metres, which can help you identify colours at night.

Check the distance from the camera to the area you care about. A 10m range suits a room or a small yard; 20m suits a gate, driveway or larger outdoor area. If your subject is beyond the stated range, expect a dark image.

Step 4: Storage: SD card, cloud or both

All four cameras here record to an SD card. The Mini Pinhole supports up to 128GB, the YIOT bulb camera up to 128GB, and the 4G solar models list SD card storage without a stated maximum. None of these models list cloud storage, so plan on a memory card.

Loop recording overwrites the oldest footage when the card fills, so the card size sets how far back you can look. A larger card gives you a longer history. Check the maximum supported capacity before you buy a card.

Step 5: Power: solar, battery backup or mains

Power decides whether the camera keeps watching during a cut. The Mini Pinhole runs on a battery with 12hr backup and can also run on continuous power. The YIOT bulb camera uses an AC adapter through the E27 socket. The two 4G solar cameras use a solar panel plus an internal battery: the V380 PRO lists up to 28 hours of backup, and the DUAL Lens lists 24 to 28 hours.

For a site with no mains power, solar plus battery is the practical route. For an indoor room, a socket-powered bulb camera keeps things simple. For a counter where power is unreliable, the pinhole camera's battery backup keeps it running for a while.

Step 6: The app you will live with

The app is where you view live footage, get motion alerts and control pan and tilt. The Mini Pinhole and both 4G solar models use the V380 Pro app; the YIOT bulb camera uses the YIOT app. All four support two-way audio, so you can speak through the camera.

Check that the app is available for your phone and that you are comfortable with its layout. The 4G models need a SIM card with data; the V380 Pro app works over the mobile network so you can view from anywhere.

Step 7: Placement and coverage

Placement decides how much of the scene one camera can cover. The V380 PRO 4G Solar has a 355° pan range, the DUAL Lens has a 120° viewing angle with one fixed and one auto-tracking lens, the YIOT bulb has 360° coverage and auto tracking, and the Mini Pinhole has a 90° viewing angle.

For a wide outdoor area, pan and tilt lets one camera cover more ground than a fixed lens. For a fixed watch point such as a gate, the DUAL Lens upper lens stays aimed where you set it while the lower lens tracks movement. For a room, the bulb camera's 360° coverage and auto tracking follow movement around the space.

Indoor cameras are not weatherproof, so keep them inside. The 4G solar models are IP66 rated for outdoor use.

Where to buy a security camera in Kenya

Buy from a seller who lists the exact specifications and app name, so you know what you are getting before you pay. Check the connection type, resolution, night vision range, storage support, power source and whether the model is in stock.

Our 4G cellular security cameras and wireless IP surveillance cameras pages show the current range with live details.

Related guide · 6 min read4G vs WiFi Security Cameras in Kenya: Which Should You Buy? → Related guide · 5 min readBest Security Cameras for Farms in Kenya: Solar & 4G Options for Crops, Livestock & Stores →

Still unsure? Start with the connection your site allows, then pick the model that matches your power and coverage needs. Browse the spy cameras category for compact indoor options.

Ready to choose?

See the YIOT bulb cameraKSh 2,500 · In stock

Where you would use it

Frequently asked questions