Mogo, East Africa’s leading asset financing company, has launched SAKA, Kenya’s first digital public database for stolen vehicles and motorbikes — a groundbreaking move aimed at curbing the rising tide of motor theft across the country.
SAKA, derived from the Swahili word “saka” meaning “to search,” is designed as a user-friendly, centralised platform that allows the public to report and verify stolen vehicles in real time. The initiative is a response to the country’s growing concerns over vehicle and motorbike theft, which continues to inflict significant economic and security-related losses.
Speaking during the launch, Mogo Kenya’s Deputy Country Manager Branton Mutea described SAKA as “more than just a digital platform — it’s a tool of empowerment.”
“This platform is about enabling Kenyans to actively search for the truth about a vehicle or motorbike before they buy, sell, or use it,” said Mutea. “It empowers users, enhances safety, and supports the fight against crime through transparency and collaboration.”
The platform comes at a critical time. Kenya’s informal transport sector — particularly the boda boda and matatu industries — employs over three million people. However, the sector suffers losses estimated at KES 3 billion annually due to theft and fraud, with recovery rates remaining dismally low due to outdated and fragmented reporting systems.
Data from the 2025 Kenya National Economic Survey paints a worrying picture: over 7,000 cases of vehicle theft have been reported over the past five years, yet fewer than 40 convictions have been secured. Additionally, less than 10% of these crimes are reported through digital platforms, leaving a major gap in enforcement and public awareness.
The theft of motor vehicles, which often involves tactics ranging from parking lot thefts to carjacking and car hire scams, is also directly tied to broader security threats. Notably, around 40 percent of stolen motorbikes are reportedly used to commit robberies and other crimes.
By streamlining the reporting process and centralising access to stolen asset data, SAKA aims to enhance coordination among citizens, law enforcement agencies, and transport sector stakeholders. The platform’s real-time verification feature allows users to check the status of a vehicle or motorbike before completing any transaction — helping reduce fraud, protect livelihoods, and promote a culture of vigilance.
“SAKA gives everyone the power to saka ukweli — to seek the truth,” said Mutea. “It’s a transformative step toward improving public safety and safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, especially those in the informal economy.”
The launch of SAKA marks a bold step by Mogo into the intersection of fintech and public safety — highlighting the role of private sector innovation in addressing persistent national challenges.
As the platform rolls out, it is expected to spark vital conversations around digital transformation, crime prevention, and citizen engagement in Kenya’s broader security and justice ecosystem.