Scrap metal dealers pledge to work with government

Knight Scrap and Iron Metal Dealers Association chairman Evans Nganga and Organising secretary Sheillah Chao address the media after they officially open their offices in Lunga Lunga, Industrial Area on October 25, 2022. [ Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Scrap metal dealers have called for close working relationships with government agencies to stem cases of vandalism.

The association of scrap metal dealers pledged to work with Kenya Power to forestall theft and vandalism of company resources.

The call came as Kenya Power alleged their resources were being stolen and blamed it on the metal dealers.

Evans Nganga, the chairperson of the scrap metal association distanced the dealers from cases of vandalism.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said they do legitimate businesses and pledged to collaborate with the government to identify culprits.

He said the resumption of the metal business has helped bring down theft and vandalism cases.

"We thank our government for issuing licenses to our scrap metal dealers, because this has brought the vandalism rate down by 60 per cent," the chairperson noted.

He said that their industry contributes to the economy of Kenya and asked to be valued and respected.

Nganga said the company has employed many individuals who are big contributors to the economy through tax payment.

Gladys Nyambura, secretary general at scrap metal association urged Kenya Power to secure their properties.

"Kenya power should look for alternatives to protect their properties instead of blaming us, They can install CCTVs or secret cameras at every point that has transformers to monitor the vandalisation of their property," Nyambura urged.

She said Kenya Power should also work with them to identify issues affecting them instead of issuing threats.

"We don't buy scrap metals that are branded like the ones for the railway, we have regulations that govern our company and if at any chance one of our dealers is involved in such business the license is taken away from them," she noted.