Scrap metal dealers, county officials partner on city cleanup

Scrap Metal Dealers Association chairman Evans Ng’ang’a during the Public hearings on the Business laws (Amendment ) Bill ,2024 before the National Assembly's Trade Commiitee at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on November 27, 2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]

Scrap metal dealers and Nairobi City County are forging a partnership on how to work together towards cleaning the city and improving the environment.

A meeting between the Scrap Metal Dealers Association chairman Evans Ng’ang’a and the county’s chief officer in charge of environment Geoffery Mosiria engaged on how the two entities can work together.

Key issues discussed in the meeting included licensing for the scrap dealers and vandalism, according to a statement released after the event.

Mr Mosiria emphasised the importance of scrap metal dealers being fully compliant with the laid-down procedures and acquisition of the county recycling license.

He also requested the lobby to assist in taming the acts of vandalism of county government facilities. Mr Ng’ang’a noted cases of extortion from county officers even as he outlined the measures put in place to ensure members have the right paper work to conduct business.

He sought the taming of rogue county officers who had been illegally arresting licensed dealers and extorting money from them.

This meeting follows the association’s annual general meeting held in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

In the meeting, Mr Ng’ang’a said the association seeks a harmonious working relationship with the relevant agencies. Scrap metal business is regulated by the Scrap Metal Council formed in 2015.

In May, the scrap metal association’s national executive met the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, as part of a series of meetings to improve relations with the government.

Ng’ang’a has in the past criticised the persistent harassment by some government bodies, dismissing claims that dealers are vandals.

“We support the government in every aspect and deserve respect,” he said.