Government Steps Up Crackdown on Infrastructure Vandalism
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sent a strong warning to scrap metal dealers who destroy important public infrastructure like roads and electricity installations to obtain scrap metal.
Speaking on Saturday, April 26, Murkomen revealed that the government had already deployed security teams across the country to crack down on those responsible.
He added that the ministry was closely working with the judiciary to ensure that individuals caught vandalizing critical infrastructure face tougher punishments.
“Moving forward, we will continue using better strategies to ensure that anyone damaging our roads and other vital infrastructure for scrap is dealt with firmly,” Murkomen said during his address.
Push for Harsher Penalties Against Offenders
The CS further noted that there would be closer cooperation with the courts to make sure those accused of serious crimes are not given light bail terms and then released to cause more trouble in society.
“We want to work hand-in-hand with the judiciary. We cannot allow people charged with serious crimes to be easily released and continue harassing communities,” Murkomen emphasized.
He also pointed out that the ongoing efforts had already achieved success, highlighting that a major gang involved in stealing transformers had recently been taken down.
Progress in Securing Key Infrastructure
Murkomen went on to explain that the government was in the process of reinforcing the security of important facilities across the country.
He praised the work done by regional and county security teams, saying much progress had been made.
“I am happy to report that critical infrastructure is now being properly secured, and the efforts of our local security teams have been impressive.
They have managed to completely dismantle a criminal gang that was behind transformer thefts in this county,” he stated.
Scrap Metal Dealers Express Fears Over State Reforms
This strong warning comes at a time when players in the scrap metal industry have been voicing their concerns.
Earlier this year, on January 28, the Scrap Metal Dealers Association raised alarm over a government plan to merge 42 state corporations into 20.
They warned that the move could lead to a surge in illegal activities targeting critical infrastructure.
In a press briefing, Evans Ng’ang’a, the chairman of the Scrap Metal Dealers Association, stressed that disbanding the Scrap Metal Council would badly affect the industry.
He argued that important structures like those owned by the Kenya Railway Corporation and Kenya Power would become vulnerable to criminals.
“Please give us back the Scrap Metal Council so that we can continue operating in a safe and regulated environment,” Ng’ang’a urged.
“This industry has grown by about 80 per cent in terms of compliance and government revenue because of the council’s efforts. Removing it would undo all that progress.”
Dealers Plan to Challenge Merger Proposal
The Scrap Metal Dealers Association also revealed that they were preparing a formal memorandum to present to the Ministry of Trade.
Their goal is to protest the proposed merger and push for the council to be reinstated, arguing that its role has been vital in maintaining order in the industry.
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