Car theft in Kenya has become a big problem with thousands of cars stolen every month. For many it seems like bad luck but there are underlying factors that make some cars more vulnerable to theft. From the demand for spare parts to security flaws and illegal smuggling routes, the car theft industry in Kenya is more organized than many motorists realize.
In this article we’ll look at the key drivers of car theft in Kenya, the cars most at risk and how thieves operate.
Spare Parts and Car Types: What Makes Some Cars More Vulnerable?
One of the main drivers of car theft in Kenya is the high demand for spare parts, especially for popular car models. Thieves target cars that are in high demand in the second hand market because their parts can be sold quickly. Some of the most stolen cars are:
- Toyota Probox
- Toyota Axio
- Toyota Fielder
- Toyota Premio
- Toyota Harrier
These cars are dismantled and stripped for parts within hours of being stolen. The spare parts are then sold at auto markets in places like Nairobi’s Kirinyaga Road, Kariobangi and Mombasa where they are distributed fast. Toyota is the most targeted brand accounting for 54.9% of all reported thefts according to the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI). Other popular brands that are frequently targeted are Isuzu (12.88%), Mazda (7.06%), Nissan (5.83%) and Mitsubishi (3.99%).
Vehicle Body Types at Risk
The body type of a car plays a big role in its vulnerability to theft. Station wagons, especially the Toyota Probox are the most stolen type of car in Kenya, accounting for 67.80% of all thefts.
Other types of cars at risk are:
- Lorries (11.46%)
- Saloons (6.81%)
- Pick-ups (3.72%)
Interestingly vehicle color also plays a role in theft. White cars are the most stolen, accounting for 39.80%, followed by silver (16.72%) and black (15.38%) cars.
Outdated Security Systems: An Easy Target for Thieves
Cars without advanced security features like alarms, immobilisers or GPS trackers are easy targets for thieves. In many cases criminal syndicates have perfected the art of bypassing factory fitted security systems. They use signal jammers to block the security signals from immobilisers or GPS trackers rendering the vehicles defenceless.
There have also been reports of rogue tracker installers who collude with car theft syndicates. These dishonest individuals get access to vehicle security details and sometimes plant duplicate systems or tamper with existing ones.
To protect against this, motorists should:
- Use licensed and insurer recommended security providers.
- Ask for proper documentation like receipts and installation certificates.
- Be present during installation to avoid hidden devices being fitted.
- Change default passwords or PINs immediately after installation.
- Have security systems checked by trusted mechanics regularly.
Linking the tracker to an insurance monitored system adds an extra layer of oversight, so that alerts and updates are verified by a third party.
Parking Spaces and Estates and Car Theft
Unregulated parking spaces and poorly lit areas, like dark streets or ungated estates are hotspots for thieves. Police and security agencies have identified several hotspots for car theft, including Nairobi CBD, Thika and Mombasa.
One common trick is to target vehicles parked overnight in unguarded estates or on quiet dark streets. To protect your vehicle:
- Always park in gated communities or secure parking lots.
- Remove car batteries or disconnect terminals at night.
- If possible use steering wheel locks or other physical deterrents.
Cross Border Smuggling: Car Theft Beyond Kenya’s Borders
Some stolen vehicles don’t stay within Kenya’s borders. Criminals re-register stolen cars with fake number plates and smuggle them into neighboring countries like Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan where they are sold at a lower price or dismantled for spare parts.
This cross border smuggling is hard to track but authorities are working to curb the illegal flow of stolen vehicles. Car buyers are advised to verify ownership details and use trusted dealers to avoid buying stolen vehicles.
Collusion: How Insiders Make Theft Easier
In many cases car theft syndicates rely on insiders for information and assistance. Mechanics, car wash attendants and even rogue drivers have been caught duplicating car keys, sharing vehicle security details and even helping thieves disable tracking systems. This insider knowledge makes it easier for thieves to steal cars, knowing exactly how to bypass security measures.
Fraudulent Logbook Transfers: A Hidden Danger
Another danger of car theft is fraudulent logbook transfers. Thieves sell stolen vehicles with falsified logbooks and unsuspecting buyers end up with illegally obtained cars. In Kenya operating a vehicle under the previous owner’s name for more than 14 days is an offence and buyers risk repossession if the vehicle is flagged as stolen.
To avoid this:
- Always conduct an official search with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) before buying a vehicle.* Verify logbook authenticity to ensure there are no discrepancies with ownership details.
Conclusion: How to Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
Car theft in Kenya is a big issue but by understanding the dynamics and taking proactive measures you can reduce your chances of getting affected. Here’s a quick summary of how to protect your vehicle:
- Install advanced security systems like GPS trackers, immobilizers and alarms.
- Park in secure, well lit areas and don’t leave your car in unguarded compounds.
- Be careful when buying second hand vehicles: Always check for valid ownership and do an NTSA search.
- If you notice anything unusual with your car’s security system have it checked by a trusted mechanic.
- Report any suspicious behavior or rogue individuals to the authorities.
Be vigilant and proactive and you’ll protect your vehicle and avoid being part of Kenya’s car theft statistics.
FAQs About Car Theft in Kenya
Q: What types of cars are most targeted by thieves in Kenya?
A: Toyota Probox, Toyota Premio, Toyota Axio, and Toyota Harrier are commonly targeted for their spare parts, along with station wagons, which make up 67.80% of stolen vehicles.
Q: How do thieves bypass car security systems?
A: Thieves use signal jammers to block security systems and sometimes collude with rogue tracker installers to bypass GPS systems.
Q: How can I avoid buying a stolen vehicle in Kenya?
A: Always verify the vehicle’s ownership through the NTSA service portal and make sure the logbook is authentic. Be cautious of vehicles with incomplete or suspicious documentation.
Q: Can stolen cars be sold outside Kenya?
A: Yes, some stolen cars are smuggled across borders and sold in countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan, often with fake registration details.
Q: What should I do if my car is stolen?
A: Report the theft immediately to the Kenyan Police and file a report with NTSA. If your car has a GPS tracker, contact the service provider to help track it down.