Boda boda operators in Uasin Gishu County have pledged to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and motorcycle financiers in a renewed effort to combat the rising wave of motorcycle theft in the region.
The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Central Primary School in Eldoret and organised by Mogo Kenya in partnership with Auto Industries Ltd, the distributor and assembler of Bajaj motorcycles and three-wheelers in Kenya.
Leaders in the boda boda sector noted that many motorcycles stolen in Uasin Gishu are often trafficked across border routes into neighbouring Uganda, fuelling organised criminal networks.
Boda Boda Association of Kenya National Chairman Kevin Mubadi said stronger collaboration between riders, financiers and security officers would improve reporting and recovery of stolen motorcycles.
“If we strengthen collaboration with security agencies and financiers, cases of motorcycle theft will reduce significantly and save riders from the pain of losing their source of livelihood to organised criminal syndicates,” said Mubadi.
He also urged riders to attend accredited driving schools, obtain valid licences, observe traffic regulations and secure insurance cover to protect themselves against accidents and injuries.
According to government statistics, road traffic accidents increased from 11,165 cases in 2024 to 11,638 in 2025, pushing the total number of casualties up by 2.7 per cent to 24,905.
Mogo Kenya Head of Public Relations Becky Ngigi said the company was enhancing partnerships with security agencies, boda boda associations and motorcycle manufacturers to improve tracking and recovery efforts.
She highlighted the role of Mogo’s digital theft response platform, SAKA, launched in 2025, which has strengthened reporting and recovery through a 24-hour emergency response system.
According to the company, approximately 60 per cent of theft cases reported through the platform since August last year have been successfully recovered.
Ngigi noted that motorcycle theft continues to heavily affect both riders and financiers, with some victims suffering serious injuries or even death during theft incidents.
Data from the latest Economic Survey indicates that more than 1,280 vehicle theft cases — most involving motorcycles — were reported to police last year, with five foreigners convicted in connection with motorcycle theft.
Uasin Gishu joins counties such as Busia, Kisumu, Samburu, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Marsabit in experiencing a spike in motorcycle theft cases.
Security experts attribute the growing trend to porous borders, weak cross-border enforcement and increasing demand for second-hand motorcycles and spare parts in neighbouring countries.
The Eldoret meeting follows a recent joint security forum held at the Suam border in Trans Nzoia County that brought together Kenyan and Ugandan security officers, boda boda leaders and financiers to strengthen cross-border collaboration.
The forum resolved to establish a joint committee aimed at improving intelligence sharing and tracking of stolen motorcycles.
Participants revealed that criminals frequently switch number plates between Kenya and Uganda or tamper with chassis numbers to evade detection, while others dismantle stolen motorcycles and sell spare parts through informal markets.
Uasin Gishu County Boda Boda Chairman Nahashon Kipchumba Kemei said local associations had intensified registration of riders operating at night to help identify genuine operators and eliminate criminals masquerading as boda boda riders.
“We are working closely with security officers to ensure all boda boda riders operating at night are properly registered and identifiable. This will help reduce cases where thieves disguise themselves as boda boda operators,” said Kemei.
During the meeting, Kemei received a motorcycle donated by Mogo Kenya and Auto Industries Ltd to support rapid response to theft and distress cases and improve recovery operations.
Authorities expressed optimism that closer cooperation between security agencies and boda boda operators will help curb motorcycle theft and improve safety within the sector.