Car Theft Trends in Kenya: The Top 5 Most Stolen Brands for 2024

Car theft in Kenya has declined by 28% in 2024, with a total of 327 vehicles reported stolen. Toyota remains the most targeted brand, constituting 54.91% of thefts. Despite the decrease, recovery rates are concerning at only 15.92%. Other popular brands among thieves include Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Station wagons are the most stolen vehicle type.

Recent data reveals that car theft in Kenya has seen a significant reduction, with a 28% drop in 2024 compared to the previous year. A report from the Association of Kenyan Insurers indicates that 327 motor vehicles were stolen in that year, notably down from 419 thefts in 2023. This decline in car theft may be attributed to enhanced security measures and heightened awareness among vehicle owners and law enforcement.

Despite the decline, the recovery rate of stolen vehicles remains worrisome, with only 15.92% successfully retrieved. The report highlights a notable inclination towards specific brands among car thieves, particularly Toyotas, which accounted for 54.91% of stolen cars within 2024.

Additionally, the data indicates that station wagons dominate the types of vehicles targeted, representing 67.80% of thefts. Other common body types include Lorries (11.46%), Saloons (6.81%), and Pick-ups (3.72%). Furthermore, among colors, white vehicles were most stolen (39.80%), followed by silver (16.72%) and black cars (15.38%).

The majority of stolen vehicles (32.52%) had an insured value of less than Sh1 million. The five most stolen car brands in Kenya for 2024 are as follows:
1. Toyota – 54.91%
2. Isuzu – 12.88%
3. Mazda – 7.06%
4. Nissan – 5.83%
5. Mitsubishi – 3.99%

In summary, while car theft in Kenya has notably decreased in 2024, the trend indicates a persistent preference among thieves for specific brands, particularly Toyota. The report highlights the need for continued improvements in vehicle recovery efforts. Although security measures have strengthened, the low recovery rate of stolen vehicles requires further attention from both authorities and vehicle owners.

Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com