Boda boda operators in Kajiado County have called for stronger collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania to address rising cases of cross-border motorcycle theft that continue to inflict heavy losses on riders and financiers.
The appeal was made during security awareness meeting organised by Mogo, East Africa’s motorcycle financier, in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK). The forum brought together riders, financiers and security agencies to discuss the growing threat and possible interventions.
Riders said organised criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting motorcycles in border counties, before smuggling them across into neighbouring countries where they are either dismantled for spare parts or re-registered using falsified ownership documents.
BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi said the trend had become one of the most serious challenges facing the sector, particularly in border regions where enforcement gaps are easily exploited.
He noted that motorcycles stolen in counties such as Taita Taveta, Kwale, Narok and Migori are often moved across the Kenya–Tanzania border within hours, making recovery difficult.
“In many cases, motorcycles stolen in Taita Taveta, for instance, are quickly taken across the border into Tanzania, where number plates are removed and fake logbooks are prepared,” said Mr Mubadi. “Some are dismantled and sold as spare parts, while others are transported back in the country and sold to unsuspecting buyers.”
He said the criminal networks involved operate across multiple countries in East Africa and take advantage of porous border points and weak coordination among enforcement agencies.
Mr Mubadi called for enhanced intelligence sharing between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies, joint cross-border operations and improved surveillance at official and unofficial entry points.
He also urged continuous sensitisation of boda boda riders to help them identify suspicious activity and work more closely with law enforcement agencies in preventing theft.
The boda boda sector remains one of Kenya’s largest sources of employment, particularly among young people, with thousands relying on motorcycles for daily income. However, theft has emerged as a growing concern, especially for riders who acquire bikes through financing arrangements and are left servicing loans even after losing their source of livelihood.
Speaking at the meeting, Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi said motorcycle theft continues to pose a major risk to both riders and financiers due to the financial strain it creates when assets are lost.
She noted that collaboration between riders, financiers and security agencies has already contributed to the recovery of several stolen motorcycles in recent months.
“Motorcycle theft remains a serious challenge because stolen bikes are often moved across borders within a very short time, making tracking and recovery difficult,” said Ms Ngigi.
“Stronger cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to address this problem effectively.”
Ms Ngigi added that collaboration between financiers, security agencies and boda boda agencies has improved recovery rates from 40 percents a year ago to over 60 per cent.
Kajiado County Boda Boda Chairman Alex Gitari said more than 1,500 motorcycles have been reported stolen in the county in the last 18 months.
He expressed optimism that strengthened cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania would significantly reduce incidents of motorcycle theft and restore confidence within the sector.
The stakeholders are now urging both governments to enhance cross-border security coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and introduce stricter monitoring mechanisms at border points to curb the growing menace of motorcycle theft in the region.
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