Signal jammers have become a powerful tool in modern crime, capable of disabling communication systems by blocking radio frequencies despite their use being unlawful in Kenya.
These handheld or portable devices work by transmitting stronger signals on the same frequencies used by mobile phones, GPS trackers, or Wi-Fi routers. When activated, they overwhelm legitimate signals, leaving phones unable to connect, navigation systems useless, and trackers blind.
While originally developed for military or security purposes, their misuse has expanded into civilian crime, particularly in vehicle theft.
In the car industry, jammers have become a headache for tracking and security firms and motorists alike. Vehicle tracking systems, built on GPS and GSM networks, have become standard for securing cars, motorcycles, and even cargo trucks.
Insurance companies and fleet managers depend on them for real-time monitoring. However, thieves equipped with jammers can easily block these systems. Once the jammer is switched on, the vehicle’s tracker loses its ability to communicate with satellites or networks, giving criminals a critical window to move the car undetected.
Beyond jamming, criminals also tamper physically with trackers. Many devices are mounted under dashboards or near engines, making them vulnerable to removal or disconnection. In more advanced cases, they deploy GPS spoofers, which feed false coordinates to tracking systems.
This act fools owners into believing their car is parked safely in one location while it is actually driven elsewhere. With cheap spoofing kits now available online, the threat is spreading faster than before in Kenya.
In Kenya, some tracking companies have been accused of colluding with the burglars to disable the trackers, according to comments from motorists we sampled feedback from.
How to Evade Jammers
Despite these risks, experts note that motorists can outpace criminals by upgrading their vehicle security strategies. One option is to invest in trackers with anti-jamming sensors.
These devices detect interference and immediately send alerts to owners or monitoring centers before losing signal. In some cases, they allow remote immobilisation of the car, frustrating thieves mid-operation.
Another safeguard is redundancy. Instead of depending on a single GSM connection, you can opt to use advanced trackers that now support dual SIM cards, satellite links, or alternative radio channels. Even if one communication pathway is jammed, others may remain open, ensuring the vehicle does not vanish entirely from the grid.
Some systems also include inertial navigation features. These rely on motion sensors to record a car’s movement even when GPS is unavailable. Once the jammer is turned off, the system updates the journey, making it easier for investigators to trace the stolen vehicle.
Data buffering offers another layer of protection. In case of sudden signal loss, the tracker continues to log activity internally, only transmitting it later when the connection resumes. This prevents thieves from erasing a car’s trail completely.
Experts further recommend installing multiple hidden trackers. In the event that criminals succeed in disabling one, a concealed, battery-powered backup increases the chances of recovery of your car. This layered defense is proving effective in high-theft regions such as some residential areas in Nairobi.
Finally, your personal vigilance remains crucial. Fleet managers and private owners should pay attention to unusual alerts, such as sudden signal loss in theft-prone areas, according to experts. Tracking companies and the police can then act on time, either by immobilising the car remotely or dispatching ground support.
