Ngong Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Station OCS Benard Kigoo has urged Scrap Metal dealers to help government in dealing with people vandalizing government structures.
The OCS who was speaking during launch of the dealers association in Rongai said destruction of the structures mostly risks life of school going children.
The security officer said they have witnessed many cases of destruction of the Ngong Suswa. The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line fence, has been stolen a number of times putting at risk students who attend schools along the SGR line.
The dealers were also urged to report under age children who collect scrap metals and ensure they are in school.
He challenged the dealers to hand over to police anyone they find selling the Kenya Railway properties.
The Scrap Metal dealers launched an association to promote a good working environment and fight for their rights.
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The Association, Ecosteel Scrap Metal Dealers Association was launched in Ongata Rongai in an event attended by leaders from different sectors and scrap metals dealers.
The Association CEO John Kerry Okoth said they will now easily deal with issues facing the sector that include huge taxation and harassment by security officers.
Okoth said business licenses in Kajiado County are exorbitant demanding reduction of the same and urged all dealers to ensure they operate legally by acquiring the permits.
He said there are few unlicensed scrap dealers who spoil the dealers’ name, urging police to deal with them individually.
Scrap Metal Association chair Francis Mugo said the government supports the businesses since they contribute positively to economic growth, he revealed that there are 21 steel companies in Kenya that depend on the scrap metals, the companies have employed more than 2 million people. The sector also raised Ksh 15.2 billion from exports in the year 2024.
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Mugo challenged the traders to report those involved in vandalism of government structures such as Kenya Railways and Kenya Power.
The chair said government will publish list of all licensed scrap dealers, urging them to ensure they are registered.
Kenya Railways officials who attended the launch revealed that they are losing a lot of resources in vandalism of railway structures, they urged the business people to attend sensitization meetings, and these will help identify properties of Kenya Railway stolen from their structures.
Security officers who man the SGR stations said they are still witnessing vandalism and urged the dealers not to accept items that are properties of Kenya Railway.
Kajiado County gubernatorial aspirant Tarayia ole Kores said there need to be amendments of rules to protect the business people; he noted the rates must be adjusted to be accommodating.
By Obegi Malack
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