Handheld Metal Detectors

Security screening is a daily reality in Kenya. From shopping malls and office lobbies to churches, stadiums, and government buildings, metal detectors play a quiet but vital role in preventing weapons and prohibited items from entering premises where people gather. Lance Security is an authorised dealer for Garrett — the world's most recognised and trusted metal detector brand — and we supply both handheld and walk-through detectors to security companies, corporate clients, event organisers, and institutions across Kenya.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Walk-through detectors (also called archway or portal detectors) are the standard screening solution for high-traffic entry points. A person walks through the arch, and the system indicates through audible tones and visual LED displays if metal is detected and — in advanced models — approximately where on the body the metal object is located.

Walk-through detectors are commonly deployed at:

• Shopping mall entrances
• Hotel and office building lobbies
• Airport and government building checkpoints
• Stadium and event venue gates
• Court houses and police stations

We supply Garrett models ranging from entry-level units suitable for basic screening to the Garrett PD 6500i — the same multi-zone detector used in airports worldwide — which pinpoints the location of detected metal on 33 independent zones across the body, dramatically reducing the need for secondary pat-down searches.

Handheld Metal Detectors

Handheld (wand-type) detectors are used for secondary screening after a walk-through alarm, or as the primary screening tool where a walk-through unit is not practical. The security officer sweeps the wand over the person's body; when it passes over a metallic object, it produces an audible alert and vibration.

Key Models We Supply

• Garrett SuperScanner V — The industry benchmark. Used by security services in over 100 countries, the SuperScanner V features a large 22 cm scan surface for rapid, thorough screening, excellent sensitivity to both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and a rugged design that withstands heavy daily use.
• Garrett THD — A compact, cost-effective handheld detector ideal for events and small venues where budget is a consideration but Garrett reliability is still required.
• Garrett Pro-Pointer — An ultra-precise pinpoint detector often used in conjunction with a walk-through gate for targeted secondary screening.

Sensitivity Settings and Calibration

One of the most common problems we see with metal detectors in Kenya is poor calibration. When sensitivity is set too high, the detector alarms on belt buckles, buttons, and coins, causing long queues and frustrated visitors. When set too low, it may miss knives and small firearms components. Garrett detectors offer adjustable sensitivity with clearly marked settings, and we calibrate each unit for its intended environment during handover. We also train your security personnel on how to adjust settings for different screening scenarios — a daytime office lobby with low threat level requires different settings than a night-time entertainment venue.

Security Screening for Events, Malls, and Offices

Event Security

Concerts, conferences, sports events, and political rallies in Kenya all require entry screening. We supply event organisers with both permanent and rental units, including walk-through arches that assemble in under 30 minutes without tools. For large events, we recommend a combination of walk-through gates for primary screening and handheld wands for secondary checks, with sufficient lanes to process attendees without creating dangerous crowd bottlenecks at entry points.

Malls and Commercial Buildings

Many Kenyan malls introduced mandatory screening after the Westgate attack, and the practice has become standard. We supply and maintain detectors at commercial premises throughout Nairobi and other major towns, and we provide refresher training for security teams to ensure consistent, respectful, and effective screening procedures.

Office and Corporate Screening

Offices in sensitive industries — banking, telecommunications, government — often screen visitors at reception. We integrate metal detection with access control systems so that screening and credential verification happen in a seamless, professional flow.

Kenya Security Screening Regulations

The Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA) oversees security service providers in Kenya, and workplaces such as hotels, malls, and entertainment venues are expected to conduct reasonable screening of persons entering the premises. While Kenya does not yet have a prescriptive national standard for metal detector specifications at private venues, best practice is to use equipment that meets the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) or ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) standards — both of which Garrett products satisfy. Lance Security can advise you on the appropriate screening setup to meet your duty-of-care obligations.

Purchase, Rental, and Training

We offer flexible procurement options:

• Purchase — Buy new, genuine Garrett units with full manufacturer warranty. Browse available models in our online shop.
• Rental — Hire walk-through and handheld units for events, temporary sites, or trial periods.
• Training — We provide on-site training for your security guards covering correct scanning technique, sensitivity adjustment, handling alarm responses, and equipment care. Proper training is the difference between a screening checkpoint that is effective and one that is merely theatrical.

Equip your security team with screening tools they can trust. Request a quotation or demo from Lance Security and find the right Garrett detectors for your application.