Boda boda operators in Kajiado County have called for enhanced cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania to tackle the growing menace of cross-border motorcycle theft, which continues to cause significant financial losses for riders and motorcycle financiers.
The appeal was made during a security awareness forum organized by Mogo Kenya, East Africa’s leading motorcycle financier, in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK). The meeting brought together riders, financiers, and security agencies to discuss emerging security threats and possible solutions.
Participants noted that organized criminal syndicates have increasingly targeted motorcycles in border counties before smuggling them into neighboring countries, where they are either dismantled for spare parts or re-registered using forged ownership documents.
BAK National Chairman Kevin Mubadi said motorcycle theft has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the boda boda industry, particularly in counties bordering Tanzania.
According to Mubadi, motorcycles stolen in counties such as Taita Taveta, Kwale, Narok, and Migori are often moved across the Kenya–Tanzania border within hours, making recovery efforts difficult.
“In many cases, motorcycles stolen in Taita Taveta are quickly taken across the border into Tanzania, where number plates are removed and fake logbooks prepared. Some are dismantled and sold as spare parts, while others are later sold to unsuspecting buyers,” he said.
He added that the criminal networks involved operate across several East African countries and exploit porous border points and weak coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Mubadi called for stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms between Kenyan and Tanzanian security agencies, joint cross-border operations, and tighter surveillance at both official and unofficial border crossings.
He also urged boda boda riders to remain vigilant and work closely with law enforcement officers to identify and report suspicious activities.
The boda boda sector remains one of Kenya’s largest employers, particularly among young people. However, motorcycle theft has become a major concern, especially for riders who acquire motorcycles through financing arrangements and are left servicing loans after losing their source of income.
Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi said motorcycle theft continues to pose a serious risk to both riders and financiers due to the financial burden created when assets are stolen.
“Motorcycle theft remains a serious challenge because stolen bikes are often moved across borders within a very short time, making tracking and recovery difficult. Stronger cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to address this problem effectively,” said Ngigi.
She noted that collaboration between financiers, security agencies, and boda boda associations has helped improve motorcycle recovery rates from 40 percent a year ago to more than 60 percent currently.
Kajiado County Boda Boda Chairman Alex Gitari revealed that more than 1,500 motorcycles have been reported stolen in the county over the last 18 months.
He expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania would significantly reduce theft cases and restore confidence among boda boda operators.
Stakeholders are now urging both governments to strengthen cross-border security coordination, improve intelligence sharing, and introduce stricter monitoring measures at border points to curb the growing menace of motorcycle theft across the region.