Good home security in Nairobi is rarely about one big purchase. It is about many small things done well: a solid gate, a lit compound, strong locks, careful staff vetting, sensible routines and a quick way to call for help. Most burglaries succeed because of a simple weakness, such as a dark corner, a weak padlock or a visitor let in without checking, rather than because criminals are especially clever.

This 40-point checklist helps you walk around your home and spot those weaknesses before someone else does. It is written for Nairobi homes, from maisonettes in Kileleshwa to bungalows in Karen and apartments in Kilimani. Print it, take a notebook, and walk your property in daylight and again after dark.

How to use this checklist

• Walk the property once in daylight and once at night
• Tick each item that is in place
• Note anything missing or weak, with a photo
• Prioritise items that are cheap and quick to fix
• Plan bigger improvements over the next few months

Part 1: Perimeter walls and fences (checks 1–7)

1. Is the perimeter wall or fence continuous, with no gaps or weak sections?
2. Is the wall high enough that it cannot be climbed easily?
3. Are there trees, poles or structures outside that make climbing easier?
4. Is there a deterrent on top of the wall, such as an electric fence or razor wire, in good condition?
5. Are any neighbours’ structures, such as roofs or water tanks, giving access over your wall?
6. Is the base of the wall intact, with no digging or drainage gaps?
7. Is there vegetation inside the wall that could hide an intruder?

For options on toppings, read our comparison of electric fence vs razor wire in Kenya.

Part 2: Gates (checks 8–13)

8. Is the gate solid enough that nobody can see into the compound?
9. Are hinges and locks strong and protected from being cut?
10. Is there a pedestrian door separate from the vehicle gate?
11. Can the gate be opened quickly and safely when you arrive at night?
12. Is there a way to see who is outside before opening, such as a peephole, intercom or camera?
13. Is the gate kept locked at all times, even during the day?

See our guide to perimeter wall and gate security.

Part 3: Lighting (checks 14–18)

14. Are the gate and the road outside it well lit at night?
15. Are all sides of the house lit, including the back and side passages?
16. Do lights come on automatically, through sensors or timers?
17. Are there any dark corners where someone could hide?
18. Do lights stay on during power cuts, through solar or backup power?

Read more in security lighting for homes in Kenya.

Part 4: Doors and windows (checks 19–25)

19. Are external doors solid, with strong frames?
20. Do external doors have good-quality locks and, ideally, a steel security door?
21. Are windows fitted with strong grilles, especially on the ground floor?
22. Can grilles be opened from inside in case of fire?
23. Are sliding doors secured against being lifted out?
24. Are spare keys kept safely, not under mats or in obvious places?
25. Do you know who holds copies of your keys?

Our post on burglar-proofing doors and windows explains what to look for.

Part 5: Guards and people (checks 26–31)

26. If you have a guard, are they from a licensed, supervised security company?
27. Does your guard confirm every visitor with you before opening the gate?
28. Is there relief cover when your guard is off or sick?
29. Have domestic workers been properly vetted, with ID and references?
30. Do you know the full names and contacts of everyone who works at your home?
31. Do workers know not to share information about your routine with outsiders?

See our guides on hiring a home security guard in Nairobi and vetting domestic workers.

Part 6: Alarms and technology (checks 32–36)

32. Do you have an intruder alarm covering the main entry points?
33. Is the alarm linked to a response team, not just a siren?
34. Do you have panic buttons in the bedroom and main living area?
35. Do CCTV cameras cover the gate, doors and parking?
36. Can you see your cameras on your phone, and is footage stored securely?

Learn about our alarm response services and CCTV monitoring services.

Part 7: Routines and habits (checks 37–40)

37. Do you vary your arrival and departure times where possible?
38. Do you check the road before opening the gate at night?
39. Do you avoid posting your location and travel plans on social media?
40. Does everyone in the house know what to do and who to call in an emergency?

Read our night security routine for homes for a simple evening checklist.

Scoring your home security in Nairobi

Quick wins you can do this week

Some improvements cost little and make a big difference:

• Replace weak padlocks with stronger, shrouded ones
• Trim vegetation near walls and windows
• Add sensor lights to dark corners
• Stop leaving spare keys in obvious places
• Agree a visitor confirmation rule with your guard
• Save your security company’s emergency number in every family member’s phone

Bigger improvements to plan

• Electric fencing or repairs to the perimeter wall
• A steel security door on the main entrance
• An alarm linked to a response team
• CCTV covering the gate, doors and parking
• Upgrading from an individual watchman to a supervised, licensed guarding service

Worked example: a Kileleshwa maisonette

A family in a Kileleshwa maisonette scored 22 on this checklist. The wall was high but had a gap behind a water tank; the back passage was dark; the gate had no way to see visitors; and the night watchman had no relief. They fixed the tank gap and added two solar sensor lights in the first week, fitted a gate camera viewable on their phones, and moved to a supervised guard from a licensed company with relief cover. Three months later they scored 36, and the guard now confirms every visitor before opening.

Home security in Nairobi apartments

If you live in an apartment, some checks apply to the building rather than your unit. Focus on your door, windows, balcony access and the building’s gate procedures. Our apartment security tips for Nairobi cover this in detail.

How Bestcare Security can help

We offer free assessments of home security in Nairobi and the surrounding areas. A supervisor walks your property with you, goes through a checklist like this one, and recommends practical improvements, from lighting and locks to guards, alarms and CCTV. Learn more about our residential security services.

Home security in Nairobi by property type

Different homes in Nairobi face different risks, so some checks matter more than others:

Involving the whole household

Home security in Nairobi works best when everyone in the home understands the basics. Children should know not to open the gate to strangers and not to share family plans. Domestic workers should know the visitor rules and who to call in an emergency. Older relatives should know how to use the panic button. A short family conversation, repeated every few months, turns individual habits into a shared routine.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important part of home security in Nairobi?

Controlling who enters your compound. A strong gate, a guard who confirms every visitor and good lighting prevent most incidents.

Do I need a guard if I have an alarm?

Not always. An alarm with a response team can protect a home well, especially when combined with good locks and lighting. Many families use both.

How often should I review my home security?

At least once a year, and after any incident in your home or neighbourhood.

Are electric fences worth it in Nairobi?

For many homes, yes, as long as they are professionally installed, maintained and have backup power.

What should I do if my home scores low on this checklist?

Start with quick wins such as lighting, locks and visitor rules, then book a professional assessment for bigger improvements.

Is it worth using this checklist if I rent?

Yes. Many items, such as routines, visitor rules, locks on your own door and panic buttons, are within a tenant’s control. For structural issues like walls and gates, share the findings with your landlord and ask for repairs.

Can someone check my home for free?

Yes. Call Bestcare Security on 0709 004 600 to book a free home security assessment in Nairobi.

Does this checklist work for homes outside Nairobi?

Yes. The same principles apply across Kenya, though risks vary by area.

Related reading

• Perimeter Wall and Gate Security in Kenya: A Homeowner's Guide
• Electric Fence vs Razor Wire in Kenya: Which Is Better for Your Home?
• How to Vet Domestic Workers Safely in Kenya: A Practical Guide for Families

Explore our residential security services or see all our security services in Kenya.