Analysis of Car Theft Trends and Risks in Kenya: Key Findings for 2024

A report by the Association of Kenya Insurers reveals that vehicles with registration plates starting with ‘KD’ are the most commonly stolen in Kenya, with Toyota being the most targeted brand. Despite a decrease in thefts, recovery rates remain low, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures among vehicle owners.

A recent report has disclosed troubling statistics regarding car thefts in Kenya. Vehicles with registration plates beginning with ‘KD’ have been identified as the most susceptible to theft. Notably, the risk significantly escalates for Toyota owners, as the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) indicates that half of all stolen vehicles in 2024 bore ‘KD’ plates, totaling 327 thefts; this represents a decrease from 419 thefts in 2023.

According to the report, “Vehicles with registration numbers beginning with ‘KD’ were the most stolen (50.15 per cent), followed by ‘KC’ (35.17 per cent), ‘KB’ (10.40 per cent), and ‘KA’ (1.83 per cent).” Moreover, Toyota is the leading make targeted by thieves, accounting for 54.91 per cent of reported stolen vehicles. Other brands frequently reported stolen include Isuzu at 12.88 per cent, Mazda at 7.06 per cent, Nissan at 5.83 per cent, and Mitsubishi at 3.99 per cent.

The type of vehicle significantly influences theft risk, with station wagons like Toyota Fielder and Subaru Outback representing 67.80 per cent of thefts. Additionally, lorries contributed to 11.46 per cent of cases, saloon cars represented 6.81 per cent, and pickups made up 3.72 per cent.

Color also plays a role in theft trends. The report found that white vehicles were stolen most frequently at 39.80 per cent, followed by silver at 16.72 per cent and black at 15.38 per cent. Most of the vehicles stolen had an insured value of less than Ksh1 million, and 26.07 per cent of thefts involved vehicles valued between Ksh1 million and Ksh2 million.

Notably, the highest insured value for a stolen vehicle in 2024 was a Mitsubishi lorry valued at Ksh12.2 million. According to the findings, “Theft of parts remains the highest category of reported incidents at 54.28 per cent. Vehicles stolen while parked accounted for 31.91 per cent, while hijackings made up 7.24 per cent.”

While there has been a reduction in theft cases, recovery rates remain disappointingly low, with only 15.92 per cent of stolen vehicles recovered in 2024, an improvement from 11.72 per cent in 2023. The AKI confirmed, “This data is integrated into AKI’s Insurance Motor Database System (IMIDS) to alert underwriters before issuing insurance certificates for vehicles reported stolen.”

The National Police Service (NPS) emphasizes that vehicle theft continues to be a serious security matter, noting 1,687 cases reported in 2023, an increase from 1,459 in 2022. Authorities encourage vehicle owners to bolster security measures and maintain vigilance, particularly for high-risk models.

The report by the Association of Kenya Insurers reveals a significant trend in vehicle thefts within Kenya, highlighting specific types and brands of cars that are most frequently targeted. With Toyota leading in theft incidents and vehicles with ‘KD’ registration plates being the most stolen, it is imperative for owners of high-risk cars to enhance their security measures. Though there has been a slight improvement in recovery rates, the low percentage of recovered stolen vehicles suggests a persistent need for increased vigilance and prevention strategies among vehicle owners.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke