A local asset financing firm, Watu Credit, has lauded national security agencies in Kenya for making headway in the efforts to curb motorbike theft in the region.
The firm noted that National Police Service officers have made good headway in cracking a suspected cross-border syndicate targeting boda boda operators. The operators have been losing their bikes to organized criminals who smuggle the assets to the neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Uganda.
Speaking while commending the national security agencies for their support, Watu Kenya Country Manager, Erick Massawe stated that DCI authorities acting on credible information have managed to recover three earlier stolen bikes with suspects already arraigned in court this week alone. Police Officers recovered the motorbikes in Nakuru, Ndhiwa (Homabay County), and Nairobi en route to their final destinations.
“Motorbike theft remains an ongoing challenge in Kenya. To support our customers, we have introduced advanced tracking systems to help locate any stolen bikes. We also thank the police for their cooperation in recovering these stolen bikes and apprehending the suspects,” Watu Kenya, Country Manager Erick Massawe, said.
In Nairobi, one of the notorious suspects, a boda boda rider, pleaded guilty to stealing a motorbike worth Kshs.261 612 and selling it at a throwaway price. Joseph Korir Maema, who operates under multiple aliases known by different names, admitted at the Makadara law courts on January 10, 2025, that he stole the motorbike belonging to Ernest Biwott on June 23, 2023, in Nairobi.
Biwott acquired the motorcycle on a hire purchase from Watu Kenya and, after using it for a year, employed Maema to operate it. However, Maema disappeared after a few months. He was charged alongside Baraka Mose, who allegedly purchased the stolen motorbike. Mose, an official of a boda boda Sacco in Embakasi, denied the charges and is currently out on bail pending a hearing.
To combat rising motorbike theft in the country, Watu has introduced advanced tracking systems and security devices for all motorbikes. The company also works closely with various law enforcement agencies to facilitate rapid response and recovery efforts whenever an incident occurs.
The police also arrested three suspects with a stolen motorbike (registration KMFY 395K) that had been reported stolen in Mudete (Vihiga County). The rightful owner has been contacted and will soon be reunited with his asset.
In Ndhiwa, the police arrested a suspect with a stolen motorbike (registration KMFU631J). The suspect has been arraigned and is out on bail pending a hearing.
Motorbike theft remains a significant challenge across the country, mainly targeting bikes financed by asset financing companies like Watu Kenya. Reports indicate that over 10,000 motorcycles were stolen across the country in 2024, highlighting the growing trend of organized crime related to motorcycle theft. This trend mainly affects the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) industry, a vital livelihood source for many Kenyans.
