Car theft has been an issue for a long time in Kenya. Thieves tend to target specific vehicles for resale, spare parts or criminal activities due to their high demand and known vulnerabilities.
While most people assume brand popularity is the main factor, recent data suggest that other elements such as body type, number plate and color also influence theft trends. Understanding these patterns can help car owners take the necessary precautions to protect their vehicles.
According to a report by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), a total of 327 motor vehicles were stolen in Kenya in 2024. This, however, is a 28% decline from 2023. The reduction is attributed to “improved security measures and increased vigilance among vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies.”
In this article, we delve into the most stolen car brands in Kenya, why they are targeted and how to secure your car from theft.
Table of Contents
The Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles in Kenya
- By Brand
Out of all cars stolen from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the highest number were Toyotas.
The table below shows the theft rate in Kenya according to a report published by AKI
| Brand | Theft Rate (%) |
| Toyota | 54.91% |
| Isuzu | 12.88% |
| Mazda | 7.06% |
| Nissan | 5.83% |
| Mitsubishi | 3.99% |
While the report does not specify the exact reasons, the trend suggests that factors such as resale value, ease of resale and demand for spare parts play a role.
- By Body Type
Station wagons are the most stolen cars in Kenya representing 67.8% of all thefts. These types of vehicles, especially models like Toyota Probox and Toyota Fielder are likely highly sought after due to their high availability and multipurpose use.
Moreover, there is high demand for their spare parts which can easily be interchanged with other models making them valuable for resale and repairs.
Other commonly targeted body types are lorries (11.46%), Saloons (6.81%) and Pickup Trucks (3.72%). Lorries and pickups are often targeted for their use in the Logistics Business.
Saloon cars are common on the road, making them easy to steal and resell without raising suspicion.
Toyota Fielder, an example of a station wagon. Photo| Kai & Karo
- By Number Plate
Vehicles with registration numbers beginning with KDs were the most stolen at 50.15%, followed by KCs (35.17%), KBs (10.40%), and KAs (1.83%).
This pattern is probably because newer cars have higher market value and are in better condition. Thieves target these kinds of cars because they can be resold quickly or dismantled for high demand spare parts.
- By Colour
White cars are the most stolen at (39.80%) followed by silver (16.72%) and black (15.38%). These are the most common car colours in Kenya making them more available and easy to blend in.
- By Insurance Value
32.52% of the most stolen vehicles have an insurance cover valued at not less than Ksh 1 million.
This is likely because a majority of Kenyans own affordable vehicles, mostly secondhand imports that are typically priced under Ksh 1 million.
Those between Ksh 1-2 million represented 26.07%, and over Ksh 2 million represented 27.3%.
According to the AKI report, the most expensive vehicle reported stolen was a Mitsubishi Lorry valued at Ksh 12.2 million.
- By Circumstances of Theft
The majority of car thefts in Kenya in 2024 involved theft of parts, rather than the entire vehicle, at 54.28%. Cases of cars being stolen while parked account for 31.91%, while hijackings make up a smaller percentage at 7.24%.
How to Secure Your Car from Theft
Despite the decline in stolen vehicle cases, recovery rates of stolen cars remain a concern as only 15.92% were successfully recovered.
Here’s how you can secure your car from theft in Kenya;
- Invest in Security Features
Install a GPS tracker to help recover your vehicle in case it is stolen.
Another option is to use engine cut-off systems, which prevent thieves from starting the car without the original key. These systems can also be operated remotely.
Additionally, you could add a kill-switch that cuts off power to the ignition that only you know about.
Lastly, invest in a good alarm system. A modern, loud alarm can deter potential thieves.
- Park Smartly
Always park in secure, well-lit areas with CCTV surveillance. If you’re parking at home, ensure to lock the gates/garages and install security lights.
- Mark Your Car Parts
Mark valuable car parts like side mirrors, rims and headlights to make it less attractive to thieves and harder to resell.
What to Do If Your Car is Stolen
In the event your car is stolen, here’s what should do;
- Report to the Police
Provide the police with details including number plate, make, color and last location. Get an Occurrence Book (OB) number to help track the case.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
File a report as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide any relevant security footage or witness statements.
- Track the Car (If possible)
If you have installed a GPS tracker, check the last seen location and notify the authorities. Collaborate with the CCTV operators for footage from nearby areas.
- Spread the News
Raise awareness of the stolen car on social media or car theft forums will clear pictures of your car.
Also, alert matatu and taxi operators as stolen cars are usually repainted.
Conclusion
Car theft remains a major concern in Kenya, with certain cars being targeted more than others.
Car owners can significantly reduce their risk by taking the preventive measures mentioned above.
If a vehicle is stolen, acting quickly and correctly can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
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