Vehicles Most Likely to be Stolen in Kenya: Insights from AKI Report

The Association of Kenyan Insurers reports that Toyota vehicles are the most frequently stolen in Kenya, constituting 54.91% of thefts in 2024. Other targeted brands include Isuzu and Mazda. While vehicle theft has decreased, recovery rates remain low. Station wagons are the most stolen body type, and white cars are most affected. The theft of vehicle parts is also prevalent.

A report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) highlights that Toyota vehicles are the most likely to be stolen in Kenya. The data, compiled from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, reveals that Toyota accounts for 54.91 percent of all stolen vehicles. “Toyota remains the most frequently stolen brand, accounting for 54.91% of reported cases,” asserts the report.

Following Toyota, other frequently targeted makes include Isuzu (12.88%), Mazda (7.06%), Nissan (5.83%), and Mitsubishi (3.99%). The report indicates that a total of 327 vehicles were stolen in 2024, reflecting a notable 28 percent decrease from the 419 incidents recorded in 2023. This decline suggests improvements in security measures and increased vigilance among both vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies.

Despite the overall reduction in theft incidences, the recovery rates for stolen vehicles are troubling, with only 15.92 percent recovered successfully. The data reveals that vehicles with registration numbers starting with KDs are the most frequently stolen (50.15%), followed closely by KCs (35.17%), KBs (10.40%), and KAs (1.83%).

In terms of vehicle body types, station wagons lead the theft statistics, accounting for 67.80 percent of all thefts. The report further highlights other commonly targeted types, including lorries (11.46%), saloons (6.81%), and pick-ups (3.72%). White vehicles remain the most commonly stolen color, comprising 39.80 percent of thefts, followed by silver (16.72%) and black (15.38%).

Additionally, the report notes that the majority of stolen vehicles had an insured value of less than Sh1 million (32.52 percent), with vehicles valued between Sh1 million and Sh2 million making up 26.07 percent. Vehicles over Sh3 million represented 27.3 percent; the highest valued stolen vehicle was a Mitsubishi lorry worth Sh12.2 million. Theft of vehicle parts was the leading category at 54.28 percent, while vehicles stolen while parked accounted for 31.91 percent and hijackings for 7.24 percent.

The findings from the Association of Kenyan Insurers emphasize the continued vulnerabilities of certain vehicle models, particularly Toyotas, alongside the significance of vigilant security measures. While there has been a reduction in vehicle theft incidents and some progress in recovery rates, challenges remain, particularly regarding high-value vehicles and the theft of parts. Enhanced awareness among vehicle owners and effective law enforcement remain crucial to addressing these issues in the future.

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