CS Chirchir Threatens Scrap Metal Ban Reinstatement
On Friday, May 20, Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir hinted at the reinstatement of a ban on scrap metal imposed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
While addressing the media, the secretary of state stated that power lines were the primary target of vandals who disadvantage Kenyans.
He cautioned the vandals against testing the government because it could shut down the industry.
“When you commit vandalism, you are fighting against a government in a sorry state. You are fighting a government with an army, a police force, and the ability to pass legislation. If we decide to shut down this sector, we can do so in a single day, Chirchir noted.
According to Alex Wachira, the Energy Principal Secretary, the country loses one transformer per day, which is then sold to dealers at a reduced price.
Wachira observed that the vandalism impeded the Last Mile Connectivity Program (LMCP).
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Evans Ng’ang’a, chairman of the Scrap Metal Dealers Association, pledged to work with the government to eradicate cartels in the industry.
Nga’ang’a added, “We will provide the government with data to aid in investigations and combat the threat jointly.”
These sentiments surfaced days after the Scrap Metal Council (SMC) requested assistance. From the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Thursday, May 18 as they launched a nationwide crackdown.
Francis Mugo, chairman of the SMC, emphasized that, per the Scrap Metal Act, all dealers found operating without licenses will be penalized.
“We urge all government agencies planning to dispose of scrap metal to do so in consultation with the Scrap Metal Council,” Mugo declared.
Notably, in January 2022, Uhuru banned all scrap metal dealers in the nation. After an act of vandalism caused a nationwide blackout.
Uhuru stated, “We have placed a moratorium on the export, purchase, or sale of any scrap material until we have put in place proper guidelines to ensure that the material does not come from the investments that the Kenyan people have worked so hard to acquire.”
However, the trade was reinstated in May 2022, but only licensed dealers were permitted to operate.
CS Chirchir Threatens Scrap Metal Ban Reinstatement
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