The Scrap Metal Council has raised alarm over rising cases of vandalism targeting critical infrastructure across the country, warning of tough regulatory action against rogue dealers.
In a statement released Friday, Council Chairperson Francis Mugo said the surge in vandalism involving power lines, road infrastructure and communication equipment poses a grave threat to national security, economic stability and public safety.
“The Scrap Metal Council has noted with deep concern the rising cases of vandalism targeting critical public and private infrastructure across the country. These criminal acts pose a serious threat to security, economic stability and public safety,” Mugo said.
As the statutory regulator of the scrap metal industry in Kenya, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order, integrity and accountability within the sector.
Among the measures announced is enhanced multi-agency collaboration.
The Council will work closely with the Anti-Vandalism Police Unit and the National Police Service under the Office of the Inspector-General to strengthen enforcement operations, intelligence sharing and compliance checks nationwide.
“We are intensifying joint operations and surveillance to ensure those engaging in vandalism are apprehended and prosecuted,” Mugo stated.
The Council also warned of immediate deregistration of any dealer or miller found culpable of engaging in, facilitating or financing vandalism.
Licenses will be revoked and offenders recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law.
“The Council will not hesitate to revoke licenses of any dealer found complicit. We will recommend prosecution of offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” Mugo said.
“There will be no sacred cows.”
In addition, the regulator announced a review of the export licensing framework with the aim of promoting local value addition.
The Council said it plans to encourage the growth of recycling and manufacturing industries within Kenya instead of exporting raw scrap materials.
“The focus is to promote local industrialisation by supporting recycling and manufacturing rather than the export of raw scrap. This will create jobs and strengthen our economy,” Mugo added.
A nationwide sensitisation and anti-vandalism campaign will also be rolled out to educate dealers, stakeholders and the public on the legal, economic and social consequences of vandalism.
The Council called upon all industry players to strictly comply with the law, maintain proper documentation and exercise due diligence to ensure they do not inadvertently support criminal activities.
“We urge all stakeholders in the scrap metal industry to uphold transparency and responsibility. Let us work together to build a sustainable industry that contributes positively to Kenya’s economic growth and industrialisation agenda,” Mugo said.
The tough stance signals renewed efforts by authorities to curb infrastructure vandalism, which has in recent months disrupted essential services and caused significant financial losses.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!