Security agencies from Kenya and Uganda, working with bodaboda operators and financiers, have formed a joint committee to tackle rising cases of cross-border motorcycle theft.
The team brings together police officers, bodaboda leaders and asset financiers from both countries. It will focus on sharing intelligence to enable quick tracking and recovery of stolen motorcycles moved across the border.
The agreement was reached during a joint Kenya–Uganda boda boda security meeting held at the Suam border point in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, on Friday. The forum, organised by Mogo, a motorcycle financier operating in both countries in partnership with the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK), aimed to address a growing threat depriving hundreds of riders of their livelihoods.
Participants revealed that suspects use multiple number plates from both countries, changing identities once they cross the border. Others tamper with chassis numbers soon after stealing motorcycles, making them harder to trace.
Riders also identified unlicensed scrap metal dealers as a key link in the chain, accusing them of buying dismantled motorcycle parts and fuelling the illegal trade.
Leaders from Uganda said the problem is equally serious on their side. Mr Chekwoti Ahmed, Chairman of Uganda’s Sebei Sub-region, noted that more than 200 registered motorcycles have been stolen in the past two years in his area, with some believed to have been moved to Kenya, especially in Kapenguria and Endebess areas.
Recently, two motorcycles were recovered in Uganda through collaboration between security teams and bodaboda operators after they were stolen from Nandi County.
Security officers urged riders to take greater responsibility in preventing theft. Topacho Ronald, Acting Officer Commanding Suam Police Station in Uganda, said vigilance at the grassroots level is critical.
“Security begins with you. Report suspicious individuals to your area leaders. This is not ordinary theft; it is organised crime operating across borders. Do not leave your motorcycle with people you do not know,” he said.
His Kenyan counterpart, Eric Mutua, called for stricter checks when purchasing second-hand motorcycles and encouraged operators to report suspicious behaviour promptly. He also cited corruption at border points as a contributing factor, with some suspects bribing officials to move stolen motorcycles across.
