Report Highlights Most Stolen Cars in Kenya: Key Insights and Trends

A report from the Association of Kenya Insurers reveals that vehicles with ‘KD’ registration plates are the most stolen in Kenya, particularly Toyota models, accounting for 54.91 percent of thefts. The data shows a total of 327 stolen vehicles in 2024, a decrease from the previous year, but recovery rates remain low at 15.92 percent. White vehicles are also the most targeted by thieves.

A recent report highlights a disturbing trend in car theft across Kenya, indicating that vehicles with registration plates beginning with ‘KD’ are the most frequently targeted. According to the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), approximately half of the vehicles stolen in 2024 shared this plate identifier. Reports indicate a total of 327 stolen vehicles, a decrease from the 419 reported in 2023.

The AKI report specifies that vehicles with ‘KD’ plates constituted 50.15 percent of all thefts, while those with ‘KC’, ‘KB’, and ‘KA’ plates accounted for 35.17 percent, 10.40 percent, and 1.83 percent respectively. Toyota vehicles dominate the theft statistics, comprising 54.91 percent of all reported thefts. Other significant brands include Isuzu (12.88 percent), Mazda (7.06 percent), Nissan (5.83 percent), and Mitsubishi (3.99 percent).

Station wagons such as the Toyota Fielder and Subaru Outback represent the majority of theft cases, totaling 67.80 percent. Additional targeted categories include lorries (11.46 percent), saloons (6.81 percent), and pickups (3.72 percent). Color also plays a crucial role in theft trends; white vehicles top the list at 39.80 percent, followed by silver (16.72 percent) and black (15.38 percent).

The report indicates that the majority of stolen vehicles had an insured value lower than Ksh1 million. Vehicles valued between Ksh1 million and Ksh2 million made up 26.07 percent, while those above Ksh3 million accounted for 27.30 percent. The most valuable vehicle stolen in 2024 was a Mitsubishi lorry, valued at Ksh12.2 million.

The report identifies theft of vehicle parts as the most common type of crime at 54.28 percent, while parked vehicles made up 31.91 percent, and hijackings constituted 7.24 percent. Despite a decline in thefts overall, vehicle recovery rates remain low, with only 15.92 percent of stolen vehicles recovered in 2024, up from 11.72 percent in 2023.

Authorities emphasized the integration of this data into AKI’s Insurance Motor Database System (IMIDS) to aid underwriters in identifying stolen vehicles before issuing insurance. Vehicle theft continues to be a pressing security concern, with reports from the National Police Service showing 1,687 cases in 2023, increasing from 1,459 in 2022. The police encourage vehicle owners to strengthen security measures and stay vigilant, particularly for high-risk vehicle models.

In summary, the report produced by the AKI reveals significant insights into vehicle theft trends in Kenya, highlighting a particular vulnerability for cars with ‘KD’ plates and indicating Toyota as the predominant brand affected. Consequently, vehicle owners are urged to take precautionary measures and remain vigilant due to the heightened risk associated with specific vehicle categories and colors. The findings also illustrate the ongoing challenges in recovering stolen vehicles within the country.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke