The Directorate of Criminal Investigations says there is a significant rise in motor vehicle theft across Kenya since the beginning of 2024.
This alarming trend has resulted in substantial losses for vehicle owners, negatively impacting the economy through increased insurance claims and unpaid loans held by financial institutions.
Motor vehicle theft has occurred under various circumstances, including theft from parking lots, car hire scams, robbery with violence and carjacking, the DCI says.
In response to this growing security challenge, the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) initiated a comprehensive research and analysis operation to identify and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for these thefts.
The operation targeted high-risk counties, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma.
Collaborating with the DCI Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT), the team arrested 28 suspects involved in motor vehicle theft syndicates and recovered 22 stolen vehicles, many of which had been sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya or smuggled to neighboring countries, primarily Uganda and Tanzania.
All apprehended suspects have been arraigned in various courts across the country to face charges related to motor vehicle theft, fraud, and related offences.
To curb motor vehicle theft and enhance personal and vehicle security, the DCI urges Kenyans to adopt measures which include installing anti-theft devices, park in secure locations, verify car hire clients, be vigilant on the road, and verify vehicle documents.
The public is encouraged to cooperate by providing timely information to assist in apprehending criminals and recovering stolen property by contacting the nearest police station or use our toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).
