Scrap metal dealers report sharp decline in vandalism cases

Scrap metal dealers weigh iron sheets at a demolished area at Mukuru kwa Njenga slum in Nairobi. [File, Standard] 

The Knight Scrap Metal Dealers Association has reported a significant drop in vandalism incidents, attributing the progress to stricter enforcement and internal discipline within the sector.

 Speaking during the association’s Annual General Meeting in Ruiru on Tuesday, Chairman Evans Ng’ang’a said cases of vandalism have reduced drastically over time.

 “The issue of vandalism has been a serious concern for us. However, according to our statistics, the numbers have reduced significantly. We are currently experiencing about 25 per cent of what used to be reported, which means vandalism has gone down by over 75 per cent,” Ng’ang’a said.

 Ng’ang’a attributed the decline to close collaboration between the association and security agencies, particularly the anti-vandalism unit.

 “This progress is a result of our joint efforts with law enforcement agencies and the very effective anti-vandalism unit. We are optimistic that, in time, vandalism will be completely eradicated,” he added.

Huge Scrap metal site at Eldo Scrap centre in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

 He noted that the association has also taken firm action against rogue members by enforcing disciplinary measures, including revoking membership certificates.

 “We have been keen on ensuring accountability among our members. Those found engaging in illegal activities face punitive measures, including cancellation of their membership. Our goal is to maintain a crime-free business environment,” he said.

 According to Ng’ang’a, the association has asked the scrap metal council to cancel membership certificates of about 7 members linked to malpractice, which they did by writing to the relevant authorities, the Scrap Metal Council, which is the regulator.

 He further noted that vandalism cases, particularly those previously affecting Kenya Power infrastructure, such as transformers, have significantly declined.

 In the past, he said there was a lot of noise around vandalism, especially involving Kenya Power transformers, but such cases have reduced because they addressed the root causes and worked closely with enforcement agencies.

 Ng’ang’a cited previous hotspots such as Kirinyaga and Juja, where vandalism incidents have since been contained.

 The Officer Commanding the Anti-Vandalism Unit, Joshua Chacha, told the gathering that the unit is committed to rooting out individuals who condone or engage in vandalism.

 Chacha called for closer collaboration with scrap metal dealers, urging them to support the unit by sharing intelligence and information. He noted that the unit has the authority to recommend the cancellation of licences for dealers who violate established regulations.

 “You play a critical role in the country by helping to clean the environment. If scrap metal goes uncollected, it can pose serious risks, as some materials are sharp and may endanger the lives of children who play outside,” he said.

 He added that the unit is working towards eliminating vandalism, drawing inspiration from countries such as Austria, Germany, and Singapore.

 “As a unit, we aim to reduce cases of vandalism to zero,” Chacha said.

 The association’s Secretary, Gladys Nyambura, raised concerns over what she termed as excessive fines imposed on scrap metal dealers.

 “When it comes to fines, there has been a lot of impunity in how they are applied. Compared to other sectors, the penalties imposed on our members are disproportionately high,” she said.

 Nyambura noted that some dealers face fines of up to Sh20 million, which she described as unreasonable.

 “You will not find such punitive fines even in sectors like banking. These penalties are not only excessive but also discourage legitimate business operations,” she added.

 Since the lifting of the 2022 moratorium on scrap metal trade, the association has been engaging the government to streamline regulations and create a more conducive working environment.

 “We have been working closely with the government to find a balance that allows us to operate legally and harmoniously without conflict,” she said.

 Nyambura emphasised that the majority of the association’s members are compliant with the law, adding that they are continuously monitoring and guiding them.