New anti-theft technology: How Kenya’s new alarm-triggering device works
Katemarthason Okudo10th November, 2026
01:00 PMUpdated 10th November, 2026 01:13 PM
A Kenyan technology developer has come up with a new way of responding to phone theft: instead of relying only on tracking a stolen device, his invention allows the owner to trigger a loud alarm that announces the theft.
Eliud Gilisho developed a remote-controlled device that activates an alarm on a phone when it is snatched. The phone repeatedly announces, “Huyu ni mwizi”, alerting people nearby that the person carrying it may have stolen it.
How does the device work?
According to Gilisho, the system uses a separate remote that the phone owner carries. If someone grabs the phone, the owner presses a button on the remote to activate the alarm.
Once triggered, the phone produces a loud sound and repeatedly announces that it has been stolen. The idea is to attract attention and make it harder for someone to walk away with the device unnoticed.
Gilisho says the person holding the phone cannot switch it off or lower the volume once the alarm has been activated. “The thief or the person who has snatched <a href="https://myappsplus.com/how-to-use-your-iphone-to-take-the-best-picture-of-the-moon/” title=”How to use your iPhone to take the best picture of the Moon”>your phone can’t switch off your phone, and they cannot reduce the volume. The only time your phone will switch off is when it dies of battery,” he explained.
The remote is currently being developed into a watch, which could allow users to activate the alarm more conveniently without having to reach for another device.
The app also helps track the phone
The system is accompanied by an application that can track the stolen phone and capture its location. This could provide the owner with information that may help when reporting the theft to the relevant authorities.
However, location tracking should not encourage victims to confront suspected thieves or attempt to recover their phones themselves. The information should be shared with the police.
Gilisho said his experience with phone theft inspired the invention. He revealed that he was stabbed during a robbery in which his phone was stolen, leaving him without important contacts, documents and other information.
“I was stabbed, and they took my phone. I lost contacts, documents, and everything. So that is how I vowed that I will never let phone theft happen as long as I am alive,” he said.
What should phone owners consider?
Although the invention offers another approach to phone security, users should not depend on one device or application to protect their phones.
Kenya’s National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee advises smartphone users to activate their manufacturers’ official lost-device services, use strong screen locks, back up important information and keep their operating systems updated.
If a phone is stolen, users should use a trusted device to lock it remotely, contact their mobile network provider to secure the SIM card and notify their financial service providers where necessary. They should also report the theft to the police rather than trying to recover the device from a location shown on a tracking application.
The committee also advises users to download applications only from official stores or verified providers and be cautious about granting apps unnecessary permissions.
Katemarthason Okudo
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