DCI warns of spike in vehicle theft across Kenya

Some of the recovered vehicles that had been stolen by the suspect in the car theft syndicate. [DCI,X]

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised the alarm over a sharp rise in motor vehicle thefts across Kenya since the start of 2024.

So far, 28 suspects have been arrested in connection with the syndicate, which has seen a significant surge in insurance claims and unpaid loans held by financial institutions.

"Detectives have arrested 28 suspects involved in motor vehicle theft syndicates and recovered 22 stolen vehicles, many of which had been sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya or smuggled to neighboring countries, primarily Uganda and Tanzania," DCI revealed in a statement.

According to the Mohamed Amin-led institution, criminals have employed varied tactics, including carjacking, robbery with violence, theft from parking lots, and car hire scams.

"The crackdown focused on high-risk counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma," DCI added.

At the same time, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures, including installing anti-theft devices, parking in secure areas, verifying vehicle documents, and thoroughly screening car hire clients.

CRACKDOWN ON MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

The 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... pic.twitter.com/uoAUYb7rI5 - DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) May 8, 2025

Among those arrested are auctioneers, mechanics who alter chassis numbers, car dealers, and thieves who gain forced entry to cars before selling them off to unsuspecting clients.

Measures taken to stop the vice include gathering intelligence and collaborating with regional law enforcement agencies to combat the cross-border trafficking of stolen vehicles.