Car theft drops 28% in Kenya, but Toyotas remain top target

Kenya has long grappled with car theft, a persistent issue that hits car owners hard. Among these, Toyotas stand out as the most stolen vehicles, highlighting a troubling trend that has remained persistent across the country.

According to a recently released report by Business Insider Africa, the most frequently stolen cars in Kenya during the last year were all from Toyota’s lineup. Despite an overall 28% decline in car thefts in 2024, the preference for these particular models is clear.

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The study, which analysed car theft statistics across major urban areas in Kenya, shows that Toyota’s market dominance plays a significant role in the frequency of thefts. With vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux, Corolla, and Rav4 leading the pack, car owners in Kenya remain particularly vulnerable.

Decline in car thefts, but Toyota is still leading

The report notes a promising decrease in overall car thefts, with the figures dropping by 28% in 2024 compared to previous years. This drop can be attributed to better law enforcement practices, improved vehicle tracking systems, and heightened public awareness. However, despite the reduction, car theft remains a significant issue, particularly for certain high-demand models.

Top 5 Most Stolen Car Brands in Kenya in 2024These figures provide a clear view of the brands most at risk, with Toyota leading by a significant margin. The car theft landscape in Kenya suggests that despite fewer thefts overall, the trend toward targeting specific brands remains a challenge.

“The market for stolen cars is thriving due to the high resale value of these popular brands,” Mwangi explained. “This shows the need for even stricter enforcement and more advanced technologies to track stolen vehicles.”

While the report highlights a drop in thefts, car owners remain cautious, particularly those with vehicles from these top five brands. The rise in tracking technologies and community-based vigilance programs offers some hope, but experts stress the need for continued efforts to curb car theft in Kenya.