Toyota Vehicles Most Frequently Stolen in Kenya, Says AKI Report

The Association of Kenyan Insurers reported that 54.91% of stolen vehicles in 2024 were Toyotas, along with a total theft decline of 28% from 2023. Recovery rates were low, with only 15.92% recovered. Station wagons were the most stolen vehicle type, and white was the most common color. The priciest theft involved a Mitsubishi Lorry valued at Sh12.2 million.

A report issued by the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) indicates that Toyota vehicles are the most frequently stolen in Kenya during the year 2024. Compiled data show that 54.91 percent of all vehicles reported stolen belonged to the Toyota brand. This highlights the ongoing trend of Toyota as the preferred target for vehicle thefts.

Other brands that are prone to theft include Isuzu at 12.88%, Mazda at 7.06%, Nissan at 5.83%, and Mitsubishi at 3.99%. A total of 327 vehicles were reported stolen in 2024, reflecting a 28 percent decrease from 419 cases in 2023. This decline is attributed to enhanced security measures and increased awareness among vehicle owners and law enforcement.

Despite the reduction in theft incidents, the recovery rate poses a significant concern, with only 15.92 percent of the stolen vehicles being recovered successfully. The report further indicates that vehicles with registration numbers beginning with KDs were stolen most frequently, accounting for 50.15%, followed by KCs at 35.17%, KBs at 10.40%, and KAs at 1.83%.

In terms of vehicle body types, station wagons were the most stolen, representing 67.80 percent of all recorded thefts. Other targeted types include lorries at 11.46%, saloons at 6.81%, and pick-ups at 3.72%. Vehicle color preferences among thieves favored white vehicles, comprising 39.80 percent of the total thefts, followed by silver at 16.72% and black at 15.38%.

Additionally, the report noted that 32.52 percent of stolen vehicles had an insured value of less than Sh1 million, while those valued between Sh1 million and Sh2 million represented 26.07%. Vehicles valued over Sh3 million constituted 27.3%. The most expensive vehicle stolen was a Mitsubishi Lorry, valued at Sh12.2 million.

The report also highlighted that theft of vehicle parts was the most common, accounting for 54.28 percent of cases, whereas vehicles stolen while parked represented 31.91%. Hijacking incidents accounted for 7.24 percent of all thefts.

The report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers reveals that Toyota vehicles are predominantly targeted by thieves in Kenya, comprising over half of all reported thefts in 2024. Although theft numbers have decreased significantly, the recovery rate remains troubling. Enhanced awareness and security measures appear to contribute to the decline, yet challenges persist in improving recovery outcomes for stolen vehicles.

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