Highest Vehicle Theft Rates in Kenya: 2024 Report Analysis

A report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers reveals that Toyota vehicles are the most stolen in Kenya, accounting for 54.91% of theft cases in 2024. A total of 327 vehicles were reported stolen, reflecting a 28% decline from 2023. Recovery rates pose a challenge at only 15.92%. Station wagons are primarily targeted for theft, while vehicles with lower insured values are most affected.

A recent report from the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) indicates that Toyota vehicles hold the highest risk of theft in Kenya. The data, collected between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, reveals that Toyotas constituted 54.91% of all stolen vehicles, making them the predominant target for thieves.

Other vehicle makes also reported significant theft rates, including Isuzu at 12.88%, Mazda at 7.06%, Nissan at 5.83%, and Mitsubishi at 3.99%. Despite a total of 327 stolen vehicles in 2024, there was an encouraging decline of 28% compared to the 419 counts in 2023, indicating improved security measures and increased vigilance by vehicle owners and law enforcement.

However, the report highlights ongoing concerns regarding recovery rates, as merely 15.92% of stolen vehicles were successfully retrieved. Vehicles with registration numbers starting with KDs were most targeted, accounting for 50.15% of thefts, followed by KCs (35.17%), KBs (10.40%), and KAs (1.83%).

In terms of vehicle type, station wagons emerged as the most stolen, representing 67.80% of the thefts. Other commonly stolen body types were lorries at 11.46%, saloons at 6.81%, and pick-ups at 3.72%. Color-wise, white vehicles were stolen most frequently at 39.80%, with silver and black at 16.72% and 15.38%, respectively.

Most stolen vehicles were insured for less than Sh1 million (32.52%), with those valued between Sh1 million and Sh2 million constituting 26.07%, and vehicles exceeding Sh3 million at 27.3%. Notably, the most expensive vehicle reported stolen was a Mitsubishi lorry valued at Sh12.2 million. Vehicle parts thefts predominated at 54.28%, while parked vehicles accounted for 31.91%, and hijackings made up 7.24%.

The report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers underscores the persistent threat of vehicle theft in Kenya, particularly concerning Toyota and station wagon models. While there is a noticeable decline in the overall number of stolen vehicles, recovery rates remain a key concern. The data calls for continued vigilance among vehicle owners and enhanced security measures by law enforcement agencies to address these issues effectively.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke