In what police are describing as one of the boldest heists targeting Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cargo network, three suspects have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated break-in at an SGR warehouse in Nairobi. The suspects, believed to be part of a wider syndicate, were caught after a multi-agency operation linked them to the theft of high-end electronics valued at millions of shillings.
The incident occurred under the cover of darkness at the Nairobi Freight Terminal, where the gang allegedly gained access to a bonded warehouse by tampering with surveillance systems and exploiting internal vulnerabilities. According to investigators, the suspects made away with a cache of electronic gadgets, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and accessories, products that had just cleared customs and were awaiting collection by local distributors.
The heist sent shockwaves through Kenya’s logistics and import sectors, raising questions about the integrity of warehouse security at the SGR’s inland container depots. “This wasn’t an amateur job. These individuals had inside information, precise timing, and a clear understanding of the warehouse’s layout and blind spots,” said a senior DCI officer involved in the probe.
Following swift action by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were tracked to a residence in Embakasi, where part of the stolen goods was recovered. Authorities say they are still pursuing additional members of the gang believed to have facilitated the transportation and storage of the stolen merchandise.
Kenya Railways Corporation has since announced a review of its warehouse security protocols, including enhanced surveillance and vetting of contracted staff.
As investigations continue, the arrests shine a spotlight on the growing threat of organized crime targeting cargo infrastructure and the urgent need to tighten security around one of Kenya’s most critical economic assets.
