NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – CFAO Mobility Kenya has launched a recall campaign targeting selected Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2017 over potentially dangerous airbags associated with injuries and deaths worldwide.
The recall involves airbags produced by Japanese automotive-parts manufacturer Takata. According to information first reported by Capital FM Africa, CFAO Mobility is working with the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) to trace affected vehicle owners and replace the defective components.
In a communication to insurance company chief executives, AKI said CFAO Mobility had approached the association for assistance in identifying and contacting customers whose vehicles may be affected.
“The defective airbags have been reported to have detonated on their own, causing accidents and fatalities worldwide; giving way to injury and property damage claims,” AKI Executive Director Tom Gichuhi said.
CFAO Mobility presented details of the recall during an Underwriting Managers’ Forum held on April 17, 2026. Affected vehicles were subsequently identified, with relevant information shared with their respective insurance managers.
AKI has asked insurance companies to inform customers about the safety campaign and provide their contact information to CFAO Mobility for follow-up.
“The campaign is ongoing and we wish to request members to continue supporting CFAO Mobility by sensitising clients with affected vehicles and further sharing the clients’ contact details with CFAO for continued follow-up,” Gichuhi said.
The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has reportedly approved the sharing of affected customers’ contact details specifically for purposes of conducting the recall.
Why the Takata airbags are dangerous
Takata airbags have been at the centre of one of the largest vehicle recalls globally. The defective inflators may rupture when an airbag deploys, releasing metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin and potentially injuring or killing occupants.
The airbags have been associated with deaths and injuries in different markets. Takata filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States and Japan in 2017 after accumulating substantial liabilities arising from the defective products.
Owners of Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2017 should contact CFAO Mobility Kenya or an authorised Toyota service centre to confirm whether their vehicle is included in the recall. Vehicle owners may be required to provide their chassis or Vehicle Identification Number for verification.
