NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an extensive crackdown on the alarming rise in motor vehicle theft across Kenya, which has seen a significant increase since the beginning of 2024.
This surge in theft has caused substantial financial losses for vehicle owners and negatively impacted the economy through higher insurance claims and unpaid loans.
Motor vehicle theft in Kenya has occurred under various circumstances, including theft from parking lots, car hire scams, robbery with violence, and carjacking.
In response, the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) initiated a nationwide operation aimed at dismantling the criminal syndicates behind these crimes.
The operation targeted high-risk counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma.
Working closely with the DCI Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT), the effort resulted in the arrest of 28 suspects involved in the theft syndicates, along with the recovery of 22 stolen vehicles, many of which had been resold to unsuspecting buyers in Kenya or smuggled into neighboring countries, primarily Uganda and Tanzania.
CRACKDOWN ON MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations has observed a significant rise in motor vehicle theft across Kenya since the beginning of 2024.This alarming trend has resulted in substantial losses for vehicle owners, negatively impacting the
All apprehended suspects have been arraigned in courts across the country to face charges related to motor vehicle theft, fraud, and related offenses.
In light of this growing security challenge, the DCI has urged the public to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles.
Recommendations include installing anti-theft devices, parking in secure locations, verifying car hire clients, staying vigilant on the road, and checking vehicle documents.
The National Police Service has intensified its efforts, enhancing intelligence-gathering and collaborating with regional partners to combat the cross-border trade of stolen vehicles.
The public is encouraged to report any information on criminal activity or stolen property to the nearest police station or contact the toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).
