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DCI Director Mohamed Amin said investigators use unique IMEI numbers and cooperation with mobile networks to recover stolen phones. He noted that the IMEI remains constant even when SIM cards are swapped, and that police recovered over 574 phones in Nairobi despite a rising theft rate.
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.
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.
574+ stolen phones recovered in Nairobi in the past year.
A mobile phone reported stolen every 10 minutes across Kenya.
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.
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.
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.
