Bamburi Cement, based in Kenya, is the largest manufacturer of cement in Eastern Africa, producing around 5,000 tons every day. Its operations are vast, with two mega plants located in Mombasa and Athi River that run 24/7. Each plant fills 300 trucks with cement on an average day, creating a formidable logistical operation.

With the 'round the clock operations and high capacity of traffic coming in and out of the locations, providing security at these vast sites presents its own challenge. While the company knew it needed to beef up security to mitigate risk and protect the facilities from an increase in organized crime, the trick was finding a solution that wouldn't interrupt business operations. 

The company turned to G4S as an advisor as well as security provider to determine the best solutions. For example, leadership wanted to know how G4S could ensure 300 trucks a day were being loaded correctly without causing a backlog as well as how they could eliminate the risks posed by criminal elements that were targeting the sector.

The answer was technology, and its integration with G4S manned guarding services and customer operations. 

Photo Courtesy of G4S / Bamburi Cement      

Prior to the partnership, truck inspection reports were filled in manually with pen and paper, which meant any discrepancies were not easy to resolve, and the data was open to manipulation. The order forms filled in by truck drivers were also pen and paper, which meant they were often misplaced, or the release time was deliberately altered so they could jump the queue.

G4S gave security officers on site an electronic device to track their observations, and inspection reports are completed on the devices, creating a fully automated reporting system for Bamburi Cement. 

The installation of surveillance cameras in the cement loading areas has allowed G4S CCTV operators to monitor the loading and sealing process, from a safe distance on site. They can ensure that each truck is loaded as assigned, with the right volume of material. Having this oversight of a key part of the customers operation has significantly reduced their exposure to disputes and theft through collusion.

Another area Bamburi Cement needed attention at was its perimeters. Due to the abundance of raw materials on site, it was a frequent target for thefts. Through improved reinforcement of electric fences and the installation of motion sensors, G4S has been able to detect any suspicious movements and assign a patroller to immediately investigate.  

In addition to physical security measures, G4S is assisting Bamburi with securing their data too, monitoring their firewall performance, and remotely controlling access to their server room to prevent unauthorized intrusions. An access control biometric system was introduced to identify all staff on site, and assist with monitoring working hours and overtime.