The discovery was made during a coordinated raid in Kariobangi South on Friday, December 5, 2025, following intelligence shared with officers earlier in the week.
According to police sources, the information that triggered the operation closely resembled details highlighted in our earlier reporting on rising vehicle-related fraud cases in the city.
Officers from Buruburu and Dandora police stations teamed up for the raid, targeting a residential building believed to have been converted into a small workshop.
Officers from Buruburu and Dandora police stations teamed up for the raid, targeting a residential building believed to have been converted into a small workshop.
Although the main suspect managed to escape moments before the officers stormed the premises, police say the items recovered give a clear picture of a well-organized, long-running illegal business.
Inside the house, officers found over 100 assorted number plates and a wide range of materials used to manufacture or alter vehicle identification.
Inside the house, officers found over 100 assorted number plates and a wide range of materials used to manufacture or alter vehicle identification.
Among the items seized were 34 fully finished number plates, 67 incomplete plates, 34 half-cut plates, and three rolls of chassis number stickers.
Police also found large rolls of reflective material—both white and yellow—which is commonly used in producing official plates.
Additionally, investigators recovered number plate frames and a roll of blue iron sheeting believed to be used as backing material.
Police say these items are consistent with sophisticated attempts to create duplicate or fake plates that can be used on stolen vehicles, cars involved in crime, or vehicles meant to evade surveillance by authorities.
Police say these items are consistent with sophisticated attempts to create duplicate or fake plates that can be used on stolen vehicles, cars involved in crime, or vehicles meant to evade surveillance by authorities.
Over the past year, Nairobi has recorded an increase in cases where criminals use fake plates to escape roadblocks, commit fraud, or transport stolen goods undetected.
The National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement on Saturday, December 6, confirming the operation and praising both the officers and members of the public whose information helped make the raid possible.
The National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement on Saturday, December 6, confirming the operation and praising both the officers and members of the public whose information helped make the raid possible.
The Service emphasized that all seized materials have already been secured as exhibits and will undergo detailed forensic analysis.
According to NPS, initial findings suggest that the illegal workshop may have supplied fake plates across several Nairobi estates.
According to NPS, initial findings suggest that the illegal workshop may have supplied fake plates across several Nairobi estates.
Detectives are now working to map out possible links to stolen vehicles recovered in previous months.
The statement also echoed concerns raised in our past investigative reports, which highlighted how fake plates have become a key tool for criminal networks operating within the city.
Interior officials commended the officers and warned individuals involved in similar activities that security agencies were tightening efforts to crack down on vehicle-related crime.
Interior officials commended the officers and warned individuals involved in similar activities that security agencies were tightening efforts to crack down on vehicle-related crime.
Police are still searching for the main suspect, who was identified by witnesses leaving the premises shortly before the raid.
Officers believe he may still be within the city and are urging residents to share any information that may assist in his arrest.
