Stolen Motorbike Case in Thika Fuels Push for Centralised Registration

Two people have been arraigned in a Thika court for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, as authorities step up efforts to dismantle organised motorbike theft syndicates that have entrenched themselves across Kenya.

The accused, identified as Nelly Jemutai and Cecil Kiplimo, were charged before Thika Senior Resident Magistrate Fredrick Koome with stealing a motorcycle belonging to Watu Credit Limited at Makongeni area in Thika West Sub-County on February 23, 2026.

The charge sheet presented in court read: “On the 23rd Day of 2026 at Makongeni, Thika West sub-county, Kiambu County, jointly with others not before court, stole motorcycle registration number KMGV 997V, make Boxer Bajaj, red in colour, worth Ksh 194,470, the property of Watu Credit Limited,” according to court records.

Jemutai and Kiplimo pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate freed them on a Ksh 200,000 bond with a similar surety, and a hearing was set for June 30, 2026.

Organised Crime, Escalating Losses

The arraignment comes at a time when there has been a sharp increase in motorcycle theft cases in the country.

According to police records, the cases have been driven by highly organised criminal gangs.

The gangs have been reported to be posing as passengers or attacking motorcycle riders to steal the motorcycles.

In 2024, over 10,000 motorcycles were reported stolen.

Motorcycle theft has been a major problem in Kenya, as it employs millions in its informal transportation system.

According to the 2025 Kenya National Economic Survey report, there have been more than 7,000 reported cases of stolen vehicles and motorbikes in the past five years.

In the cases reported in the last five years, police have managed to arrest over 6,900 people in connection with vehicle theft.

However, fewer than 40 have been convicted.

Out of the stolen vehicles, only 15 percent have been recovered.

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Calls for a Centralised Register

Industry stakeholders and research institutions have repeatedly called for a centralised motorbike registration system to curb theft, track ownership and aid recovery efforts.

The Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya and the Ministry of Interior previously announced plans to roll out a Boda Boda Information Management System (BIMS), a national database for the over two million boda boda operators nationwide, to improve monitoring and reduce criminal infiltration.

Kevin Mubadi, the association’s national chairman, said such a system would capture detailed owner and rider information, enabling authorities to trace motorcycles across counties and verify legitimate ownership before resale.

“When we key in the motorcycle’s registration number, it will bring out the name of the previous owner, to find out if he sold the motorcycle or if it was stolen,” he explained in a past interview.

Experts point to Rwanda’s stricter registration regime as a comparative model, where authorities regularly crack down on altered plates and operate organised tracking of stolen motorcycles, recovering vehicles and arresting suspects tied to theft rings.

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Government Efforts and Technology Solutions

In reaction to the surge in motorbike thefts, police have stepped up surveillance in key areas of crime, such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Western regions, working with boda boda associations to roll out sophisticated GPS tracking technologies and new regulations calling for the use of live tracking devices on commercial motorbikes.

The private sector is also joining the fight against motorbike theft.

Asset financier Mogo launched a 24-hour hotline service connected to SAKA, a digital public database where individuals can report and track stolen motor vehicles and motorbikes.

“Cases of motor vehicle and motorcycle theft are increasing at an alarming rate; this service supports reporting and fast response,” said Branton Mutea of Mogo.

However, the boda boda riders still face threats as various cases of mob action against suspected thieves have been reported in various counties such as Narok and Nairobi, which shows the extent of frustration among the affected residents due to the prevalence of theft and violence.

It has been emphasized by law enforcement agencies that under Section 278A of the Penal Code, those found guilty of the theft of vehicles face a maximum of seven years’ imprisonment, which will encourage accountability and curb the theft of motorcycles in Kenya.

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Spiro Motorcycles in a Dealership Shop in Kenya. PHOTO/ Spiro