Kenya Launches Digital Database to Combat Vehicle and Motorbike Theft

Mogo, a top asset financing company in East Africa, has introduced SAKA, Kenya’s first public digital database designed to track stolen vehicles and motorbikes. This new platform serves as a centralized and user-friendly tool for real-time reporting and verification of stolen assets. 

SAKA is Mogo’s response to the growing threat of vehicle and motorbike theft in Kenya — a crime wave that has raised major security concerns and caused substantial financial damage to individuals and the economy. 

In Kenya, the boda boda (motorbike taxi) and matatu (public minibus) sectors support over three million jobs. These sectors alone face estimated annual losses of KSh 3 billion due to theft and fraud. Most of these losses go unrecovered because of inefficient and outdated systems for reporting and coordination. 

“SAKA is more than just an online tool — it empowers users,” said Branton Mutea, Mogo Kenya’s Deputy Country Manager. He explained that “saka” is Swahili for “to search”, reflecting the platform’s purpose: helping people investigate a vehicle or motorbike’s status before buying, selling, or using it. 

Motor vehicle theft in Kenya happens in various ways — from parking lot theft and fraudulent car rentals to violent robberies and carjackings. These evolving criminal tactics make recovery difficult and underscore the need for a modern, centralized system like SAKA. 

Data from the 2025 Kenya National Economic Survey reveals that over 7,000 vehicle theft cases were reported in the last five years. Although nearly 6,900 suspects were arrested, fewer than 40 convictions have been made — highlighting gaps in the justice system and the importance of improved reporting. 

Stolen vehicles pose broader security threats as well. An estimated 40% of stolen motorbikes are later used in criminal activities. Yet, fewer than 10% of theft cases are currently reported digitally. SAKA seeks to close this gap by making it easy and fast for anyone to report and verify stolen property. 

Beyond its immediate use, SAKA is expected to drive discussions around digital transformation, public safety, and modern crime prevention. By creating a digital space that connects citizens, law enforcement, and transport sector players, Mogo is taking a leading role in leveraging technology to solve long-standing issues. 

“This is a game-changing move to protect livelihoods and improve public safety — especially for Kenyans in informal transport jobs,” said Mr. Mutea. “SAKA gives people the power to saka ukweli — to seek the truth.”