NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – The Scrap Metal Council (SMC) has threatened to revoke licenses of dealers involved in cases of theft and vandalism targeting critical public and private sectors infrastructure in the country.
Speaking during a press briefing Thursday, the council’s chairperson Francis Mugo indicated that it is monitoring the industry to conform to regulations with any players failing to comply risk being arrested and prosecuted.
“We have so far revoked the license of Triple Seven Collectors Ltd with immediate effect. We are in consultation with Inspector General of Police and Commissioner General (KRA) to be supplied with information on all misconducts in scrap metal industry for appropriate action,” he said.
Mugo also urged Government agencies that need to dispose scrap metal to do so in consultation with SMC as a way to curb the vice.
“The Council is determined to go an extra mile to efficiently and effectively deliver on its mandate in consultation with industry stakeholders, and cooperation and collaboration with relevant Government agencies,” he added.
The sentiments come at a time when Kenya Power Eastern Region Manager Mutegi Mbai decried an upsurge in vandalism of Kenya Power property in Machakos and its environs for the past two months.
Mutegi who was speaking to the media after raiding a scrap metal dealer in Athi River Devki area, said that the dealer has been dealing with vandalized Kenya Power equipment and they have arrested the Manager and taken him to Athi River Police Station.
He said vandalism has been a growing challenge in the entire country and this Financial Year so far, they have lost over 43 transformers within Machakos and Kajiado Counties alone.
“Vandalized lines cause accidents on the road and unnecessary fatalities and we need to stop this vice,” said the Manager.
