WHAT CONSTITUTES THEFT IN KENYA? LEGAL DEFINITIONS AND KEY ELEMENTS
Theft is a serious offense in Kenya, governed by the Penal Code Section 268 . It occurs when someone fraudulently takes another person’s property without their consent, intending to deprive them of it permanently. Theft can take many forms, from petty theft and shoplifting to larger cases like fraud and embezzlement. Understanding what constitutes theft is essential for both individuals and businesses to protect their rights and avoid unintentional legal violations. In this article, we will explore the legal definition of theft in Kenya , its key elements , and the different types of theft recognized under Kenyan law. DEFINITION OF THEFT IN KENYA According to the Kenyan Penal Code , theft is defined as when a person fraudulently and without claim of right takes anything capable of being stolen, or fraudulently converts to the use of any person, other than the general or special owner thereof, any property. Essentially meaning taking someone else's property without th...