Analysis of Vehicle Theft Trends in Kenya: Most Stolen Cars and Brands

The AKI report reveals that vehicles with ‘KD’ registration plates are the most stolen in Kenya, led by Toyotas, which account for 54.91% of thefts. A total of 327 vehicles were reported stolen in 2024. The report highlights safety concerns and weak vehicle recovery rates.

A recent report reveals alarming trends in vehicle theft in Kenya, particularly highlighting cars registered with plates beginning with ‘KD’ as the most susceptible targets. The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) reported that 50% of stolen vehicles in 2024 had ‘KD’ registration. Overall, 327 vehicles were reported stolen this year, a decrease from 419 in 2023.

According to the AKI report, vehicles with ‘KD’ plates accounted for 50.15% of thefts, followed by ‘KC’ (35.17%), ‘KB’ (10.40%), and ‘KA’ (1.83%). Toyota vehicles ranked as the most frequently stolen brand, comprising 54.91% of reported thefts. Other brands commonly stolen include Isuzu (12.88%), Mazda (7.06%), Nissan (5.83%), and Mitsubishi (3.99%).

Moreover, the analysis indicates that Kenyans owning station wagons, particularly the Toyota Fielder and Subaru Outback, are at elevated risk, constituting 67.80% of theft cases. Lorries (11.46%), saloon cars (6.81%), and pickups (3.72%) represent other targeted categories.

The report further identifies vehicle color as a significant factor; white cars were stolen most frequently at 39.80%, followed by silver (16.72%) and black (15.38%). The majority of stolen vehicles had an insured value of less than Ksh1 million, while 26.07% were valued between Ksh1 million and Ksh2 million, and 27.3% were above Ksh3 million.

Notably, the most valuable vehicle stolen so far in 2024 was a Mitsubishi lorry valued at Ksh12.2 million. The report also highlights that theft of vehicle parts constitutes the highest reported incidents at 54.28%. Vehicles stolen while parked accounted for 31.91%, and hijackings made up 7.24% of cases.

Despite a decline in overall theft incidents, recovery rates remain low, with only 15.92% of stolen vehicles successfully recovered in 2024, an improvement from 11.72% in 2023. This data is integrated into AKI’s Insurance Motor Database System (IMIDS), assisting underwriters in alerting insurance certificate issuances for vehicles reported as stolen.

In summary, the alarming rise in vehicle thefts in Kenya, particularly targeting specific brands and vehicles, calls for increased vigilance among owners. Despite a decrease in theft numbers, the reports suggest that certain models, primarily Toyotas and specific registration types, are significantly at risk. Enhancing security measures and monitoring trends can assist in curbing this issue further.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke