DCI Explains How IMEI Technology Helps Track Stolen Mobile Phones in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-16 14:45 EAT. Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin has detailed how Kenyan police use technology and telecom partnerships to track and recover stolen mobile phones, stressing that IMEI numbers remain the cornerstone of the process.

The Latest

IMEI-based tracking: Each handset carries a unique 15-digit IMEI number that stays constant even if thieves change SIM cards.

• Telecom cooperation: Investigators work with mobile service providers to monitor the device’s activity and pinpoint its location via cell towers.

• Advanced methods: Amin hinted at additional non-disclosed techniques used for security reasons.

Key Statistics

• 574+ stolen phones recovered in Nairobi in the past year.

• A mobile phone reported stolen every 10 minutes across Kenya.

Legal and Privacy Safeguards

• DCI says all tracking operations comply with Kenyan law and data privacy protocols.

• Citizens urged to record IMEI numbers and report thefts promptly for faster recovery.

Implications

• Crime deterrence: Stronger surveillance and tracking may reduce phone-snatching incidents.

• Public awareness: Campaigns needed to educate citizens on IMEI recording and theft reporting.

• Tech integration: Closer police–telecom collaboration enhances digital security frameworks.

What to Watch

• Possible DCI–telecom data-sharing agreements for real-time tracking.

• Deployment of advanced analytics or AI tools for stolen device recovery.

• Legislative reforms on digital crime prevention in Kenya.