Security agencies from Kenya and Uganda, in collaboration with boda boda operators and financiers, have established a joint committee aimed at addressing the increasing incidents of cross-border motorcycle theft.
This team comprises police officers, boda boda leaders, and asset financiers from both nations. Its primary objective is to enhance intelligence sharing, facilitating the rapid tracking and recovery of stolen motorcycles that cross the border.
The agreement emerged from a Kenya–Uganda boda boda security meeting held at the Suam border point in Endebes, Trans Nzoia County. Organized by Mogo, a motorcycle financier operating in both countries alongside the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), the forum sought to tackle a pressing issue that has deprived hundreds of riders of their livelihoods.
Participants disclosed that suspects often utilize multiple number plates from both countries, altering their identities upon crossing the border. Additionally, some individuals tamper with chassis numbers shortly after stealing motorcycles, complicating recovery efforts.
Riders identified unlicensed scrap metal dealers as a significant link in this illegal trade, accusing them of purchasing dismantled motorcycle parts.
Leaders from Uganda echoed the seriousness of the issue on their side. Mr. Chekwoti Ahmed, Chairman of Uganda’s Sebei Sub-region, reported that over 200 registered motorcycles have been stolen in the past two years in his area, with many believed to have crossed into Kenya, particularly in Kapenguria and Endebes.
Recently, two motorcycles were recovered in Uganda through the collaboration of security teams and boda boda operators after being stolen from Nandi County in Kenya.
Security officers urged riders to take proactive measures in preventing theft. Sgt. Topacho Ronald, Acting Officer Commanding Suam Police Station in Uganda, emphasized the importance of grassroots vigilance.
“Security starts with you. Report any suspicious individuals to your local leaders. This is not just ordinary theft; it is organized crime operating across borders. Avoid leaving your motorcycle with unfamiliar individuals,” he advised.
He also cautioned riders against customers who pressure them to exceed speed limits at border points, noting that such tactics can be employed by criminals.
His Kenyan counterpart, Mr. Eric Mutua, advocated for stricter checks during the purchase of second-hand motorcycles and encouraged operators to report any suspicious behavior without delay. He highlighted corruption at border points as a contributing factor, with some suspects bribing officials to facilitate the movement of stolen motorcycles.
BAK Chairman Kevin Mubadi underscored the critical need for timely information sharing between riders and security agencies.
“If operators collaborate closely with the police and report incidents promptly, we can recover stolen motorcycles before they are dismantled. Cooperation is essential to mitigating this issue on both sides of the border,” he stated.
Branton Mutea, Deputy Country Manager at Mogo Kenya, emphasized that cross-border cooperation will alleviate the burdens faced by riders who rely on financed motorcycles for their income.
“Motorcycle theft has devastated numerous families and impacted customers who depend on these assets for their livelihoods. This partnership represents a vital step in safeguarding them,” he remarked.
Stakeholders proposed several measures to enhance prevention efforts. These include the formal registration of all boda boda stages, the implementation of unique identification for riders, the installation of tracking devices in engines to deter tampering, and improved communication between Kenyan and Ugandan authorities. They also called for stricter enforcement against illegal scrap metal dealers and heightened surveillance of known smuggling routes, often referred to as “panya routes.”
