Door Access Control Kenya

The hardware side of access control — electric strikes, maglocks, readers, keypads, controllers, exit buttons and break-glass units fitted cleanly on new or existing doors across Kenya.

What is door access control?

Door access control is the hardware on a specific door that makes it open only for the right person at the right time — and records every use. Qyvea Limited installs the full set: reader on the outside, exit device on the inside, lock in or on the frame, controller in a comms cabinet or above the ceiling, and power with battery backup. Systems are wired cleanly, tested door-by-door, and integrated with the wider access control software.

Door access control hardware

Electric strikes

Replaces the strike plate in the frame. Retains the existing lock. Used on wooden and light metal doors.

Maglocks

Electromagnetic lock holding the door shut. Strong, unobtrusive, ideal for heavy doors and fail-safe use.

Shear locks

Electric bolt lock for glass or all-glass doors — concealed or surface-mounted.

Readers

Fingerprint, facial recognition, card/fob or keypad readers. Wired or PoE.

Controllers

One, two or four-door controllers. Local decision-making so access works even without internet.

Exit devices

RTE buttons, PIR sensors, push bars and break-glass units on the inside of every controlled door.

Which lock for which door

  • Wooden office door, standard — electric strike (least visible, keeps existing handle).
  • Heavy fire door — maglock or electric bolt with door position monitoring.
  • All-glass door — shear lock or floor-mounted bolt.
  • Server room / cash office — maglock + PIN or biometric + anti-tailgating, fail-secure option.
  • Escape route door — electric strike or maglock that releases on fire alarm and on power loss (fail-safe).
  • Roller shutter / gate — motorised lock controlled by the same access system.

Fail-safe vs fail-secure — and why it matters

  • Fail-safe: the door releases when power is lost. Mandatory on escape routes, and preferred on any door that people need to get through quickly in an emergency.
  • Fail-secure: the door stays locked when power is lost. Used on doors that protect assets — server rooms, cash offices, stores — where the risk of an uncontrolled opening outweighs the inconvenience.
  • Fire alarm integration: on any door that forms part of the fire escape route, the lock releases automatically when the fire alarm sounds.

Every door's fail mode is decided during the site survey, not assumed.

How door access control installation runs

1

Door survey

Every door assessed for frame type, closing direction, escape function and cabling route.

2

Design & quote

Lock type, reader, exit device and fail mode proposed per door.

3

Fitting

Door prepared, lock and reader fitted, controller wired, all tested.

4

Handover

Door map and operation log handed over. Users enrolled on the software.

Door access control questions

What is the difference between an electric strike and a maglock?

An electric strike replaces part of the existing door frame strike plate and releases the latch when unlocked — good for wooden and light metal doors, and it keeps the door looking unchanged. A maglock holds the door shut with an electromagnet and releases when power is cut — stronger, used on heavy doors and where fail-safe operation is required.

Should a door fail-safe or fail-secure?

Doors on escape routes must fail-safe (release on power loss). Doors protecting assets — server rooms, cash offices, exam stores — often fail-secure, meaning they stay locked if power is lost. The right choice is discussed per door during the site survey.

Can I keep my existing door?

Yes. Most access control installations retrofit to existing doors. We fit the lock, reader and exit hardware onto the existing door leaf and frame — only drilling where necessary.

What is an RTE button?

RTE stands for Request to Exit. It is a button, PIR sensor or push bar on the inside of a controlled door that lets someone exit without needing to use their credential. Required on most doors for safety and convenience.

How much does door access control cost per door in Kenya?

Cost per door depends on the lock type, reader type and whether the door already has the necessary wiring and power. Qyvea quotes per door so the client sees what each door costs.

Face recognition at the door

Face Recognition Access Control on an Office Door

A face recognition terminal, with a fingerprint sensor as a second option, mounted beside an office door. Authorised staff are recognised and the door releases.

  • Touch-free face recognition at the door
  • Fingerprint sensor as a second way in
  • Every entry logged with name and time

Book a door survey

We assess each door and quote hardware per door — no bundled pricing that hides what you are buying.

Related Qyvea services

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