A report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers reveals that Toyota vehicles lead in thefts in Kenya, accounting for 54.91% of stolen vehicles in 2024. The overall theft rate declined by 28% compared to 2023. Station wagons and white vehicles are frequently targeted, with low recovery rates posing ongoing challenges.
A recent report by the Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) has revealed that Toyota vehicles have the highest probability of being stolen in Kenya. The data, collected from January 1 to December 31, 2024, indicates that 54.91% of stolen vehicles in this period were Toyotas, confirming the brand’s significant vulnerability to theft.
Following Toyota, other vehicles at risk include Isuzu at 12.88%, Mazda at 7.06%, Nissan at 5.83%, and Mitsubishi at 3.99%. The total number of vehicles stolen in 2024 was 327, which reflects a notable 28% decrease from the 419 incidents reported in 2023.
This decline suggests improvements in security measures and enhanced vigilance among vehicle owners and law enforcement. However, recovery rates remain troubling, with only 15.92% of stolen vehicles being successfully retrieved.
The report further evaluates registration patterns, revealing that vehicles with registration numbers starting with KDs constituted 50.15% of the total thefts. Other notable classifications include KCs at 35.17%, KBs at 10.40%, and KAs at 1.83%.
By vehicle type, station wagons were predominantly stolen, accounting for 67.80% of all thefts. Other targeted categories include lorries at 11.46%, saloons at 6.81%, and pickups at 3.72%.
Color analysis shows that white vehicles are stolen most often, representing 39.80% of cases, followed by silver at 16.72% and black at 15.38%.
Most stolen vehicles are valued at less than Sh1 million, making up 32.52% of thefts, while those valued between Sh1 million and Sh2 million account for 26.07%. Vehicles exceeding Sh3 million represent 27.3%, with the highest value theft being a Mitsubishi lorry worth Sh12.2 million.
Additionally, 54.28% of thefts involved stolen parts, while 31.91% occurred when vehicles were parked, and hijackings accounted for 7.24%.
The report from the Association of Kenyan Insurers underscores the continued prevalence of vehicle thefts in Kenya, particularly focusing on Toyota models. While there is a significant decline in the overall number of thefts, recovery rates remain concerning. Enhanced security measures, vigilance from owners, and law enforcement efforts appear crucial in combating vehicle theft moving forward.
Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke
