Analysis of Car Theft Trends and Affected Brands in Kenya

The AKI report reveals that 50.15% of stolen vehicles in Kenya had ‘KD’ registration plates, with Toyota as the most stolen brand at 54.91%. Station wagons are particularly vulnerable, constituting 67.80% of thefts. Color trends show white vehicles are most commonly stolen. Recovery rates remain low despite a decrease in thefts.

A recent report from the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) indicates a significant spike in car thefts in Kenya, particularly targeting vehicles with registration plates starting with ‘KD’. In 2024, 327 vehicles were reported stolen—a decrease from 419 in 2023—but ‘KD’ plates constituted 50.15% of thefts, suggesting a continuing trend in targeted vehicles.

The report highlights that Toyota is the most frequently stolen brand, involved in 54.91% of theft incidents. Other brands notably affected include Isuzu at 12.88%, Mazda at 7.06%, Nissan at 5.83%, and Mitsubishi at 3.99%. Station wagons, particularly the Toyota Fielder and Subaru Outback, account for 67.80% of all thefts, signaling a heightened risk for owners of such vehicles.

Additionally, the report identifies trends in vehicle colors, with white cars leading as the most stolen (39.80%), followed by silver (16.72%) and black (15.38%). Most stolen vehicles have an insured value of less than Ksh1 million, while those valued between Ksh1 million and Ksh2 million represent 26.07% of thefts.

The most valuable vehicle reported stolen in 2024 was a Mitsubishi lorry valued at Ksh12.2 million. Notably, theft of vehicle parts is the most common type of theft, representing 54.28%, while parked vehicles account for 31.91% of incidents and hijackings for 7.24%.

Despite a decline in overall theft cases, the vehicle recovery rate remains low at 15.92% in 2024, which is an improvement compared to 11.72% in 2023. The data collected is utilized within AKI’s Insurance Motor Database System (IMIDS) to assist underwriters in the insurance process for potentially stolen vehicles.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirms that vehicle theft remains a pressing security issue, with 1,687 cases recorded in 2023, an increase from 1,459 in 2022. Police advise vehicle owners to adopt stronger security measures, especially for high-risk vehicle models.

The AKI report underscores a troubling trend in vehicle thefts in Kenya, particularly affecting those with ‘KD’ registration plates and Toyota vehicles. Despite a decrease in theft numbers, the low recovery rate of stolen cars and rising incidents signal that vehicle owners need heightened vigilance and improved security measures. Continuous awareness and preventive practices are vital in combatting this ongoing security challenge.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke