Kenya is at an advanced stage of replacing steel street lights with automated smart poles offering different functions.
The country made strides in adopting intelligent technology by setting up the smart poles in Konza Technopolis, a flagship project of Kenya's Vision 2030 economic development portfolio, in Machakos County.
Smart poles erected in Konza incorporated different technologies, such as Smart LED lighting systems, video surveillance cameras and environmental sensors.
They also comprise digital signage, a public address system, a help button, a traffic management sensor, an information board, a charging station and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
"These smart poles are a part of the smart city facilities that will be available to the residents of the Technopolis," Konza announced on Wednesday, February 15.
How Each Feature on Smart Poles Works
Smart LED Lighting System
Unlike current poles erected in different parts of the city, smart poles in Konza reduce electricity consumption but at the same time increase operational capabilities.
They also reduce the carbon footprint associated with the current street lighting systems.
CCTV Cameras
CCTV cameras fixed on the smart poles in Konza deliver a full suite of capabilities and analytics compared to ordinary cameras.
According to experts in the US where they were rolled out in different states, cameras have vehicle recognition features, facial recognition, licence plate reader, high colour resolutions and deep data analytics.
Wi-Fi
With President William Ruto's administration rolling out the internet in various cities, the smart poles would also boost his plans to increase connectivity.
Smart poles in Konza provide high-speed wireless connections transforming the smart city.
Help Button and Public Address System
The help button allows distressed Kenyans to raise the alarm or make important communication in case of an emergency.
The public address system is used to pass general information to the public by the government and other relevant authorities.
Environmental Sensors
Environmental sensors on the smart poles inform people about the weather and air quality.
In Konza, they inform residents of heavy rain days and even the presence of pollutants or harmful chemicals in the air.
