NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 27 – The Scrap Metal Council has raised alarm over increasing cases of vandalism targeting critical public and private infrastructure across the country, warning of tougher enforcement measures against rogue operators in the scrap metal industry.
In a statement, the Council said vandalism involving power lines, road infrastructure and communication equipment poses a serious threat to national security, economic stability and public safety.
As the statutory regulator of the scrap metal sector, the Council said it is stepping up efforts to restore order and accountability within the industry.
Among the measures announced is closer collaboration 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.
The Council also warned that it will immediately deregister any dealer or miller found culpable of engaging in, facilitating or financing vandalism.
Licences will be revoked and offenders recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law.
In addition, the regulator plans to review the export licensing framework to promote local value addition and encourage growth of recycling and manufacturing industries instead of exporting raw scrap materials.
A nationwide sensitisation and anti-vandalism campaign targeting dealers, stakeholders and the public will also be rolled out.
Chairperson Francis Mugo urged industry players to strictly comply with the law, maintain proper documentation and avoid any involvement in illegal activities.
He said the Council remains committed to building a responsible, transparent and sustainable scrap metal industry that supports Kenya’s economic growth and industrialisation agenda.
