Security agencies from Kenya and Uganda, working alongside boda boda operators and asset financiers, have established a joint taskforce to tackle the rising cases of cross-border motorcycle theft.
The multi-agency team brings together law enforcement officers, boda boda leaders, and financing stakeholders from both countries. Its primary focus will be intelligence sharing to enable the fast tracking and recovery of stolen motorcycles trafficked across the Kenya–Uganda border.
The resolution was reached during a joint Kenya–Uganda boda boda security meeting held at the Suam border point in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County.
The forum, organised by Mogo, a motorcycle financing firm operating in both countries in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), aimed to address a growing security threat that is stripping hundreds of riders of their livelihoods.
Participants revealed that criminal networks are using sophisticated tactics, including operating with multiple number plates from both countries and switching identities once they cross the border. Others tamper with chassis numbers shortly after theft, making it significantly harder to trace and recover stolen motorcycles.
Riders also pointed to unlicensed scrap metal dealers as a key link in the theft chain, accusing them of buying dismantled motorcycle parts and sustaining the illegal trade.
Leaders from Uganda said the crisis is equally severe on their side. Mr Chekwoti Ahmed, Chairman of Uganda’s Sebei Sub-region, disclosed that more than 200 registered motorcycles have been stolen in the past two years in his region, with some believed to have been smuggled into Kenya, particularly in Kapenguria and Endebess.
In a recent breakthrough, two motorcycles stolen from Nandi County in Kenya were successfully recovered in Uganda through joint efforts between security teams and boda boda operators.
Security officials urged riders to take greater responsibility in preventing theft. Sgt Topacho Ronald, Acting Officer Commanding Suam Police Station in Uganda, emphasised the importance of grassroots vigilance.
“Security begins with you. Report suspicious individuals to your area leaders. This is not ordinary theft; it is organised cross-border crime. Do not leave your motorcycle with people you do not know,” he said.
He also warned riders to be cautious of customers who pressure them to overspeed at border points, noting that such tactics are sometimes used by criminals to evade detection.
His Kenyan counterpart, Mr Eric Mutua, called for stricter verification when purchasing second-hand motorcycles and encouraged operators to promptly report suspicious activities. He further cited corruption at border points as a contributing factor, with some suspects bribing officials to facilitate the movement of stolen motorcycles.
BAK Chairman Kevin Mubadi stressed the importance of timely information sharing between riders and security agencies.
“If operators work closely with the police and report incidents early, we can recover stolen motorcycles before they are dismantled. Collaboration is key to reducing this problem on both sides of the border,” he said.
Branton Mutea, Deputy Country Manager at Mogo Kenya, noted that enhanced cross-border cooperation will ease the burden on riders who depend on financed motorcycles for their income.
“Motorcycle theft has devastated many families and affected customers who rely on these assets for their livelihood. This partnership is a critical step in protecting them,” he said.
Stakeholders proposed several measures to strengthen prevention efforts, including the formal registration of all boda boda stages, adoption of unique rider identification systems, installation of engine tracking devices to deter tampering, and improved communication between Kenyan and Ugandan authorities.
They also called for stricter enforcement against illegal scrap metal dealers and tighter surveillance of known smuggling routes, commonly referred to as “panya routes,” to curb cross-border motorcycle theft.
