Community Policing Forum Against Vandalism



The chief guest was Njenga Mingi from Interior Ministry. Other speakers were David Rono who is the CEO of Scrap Metal Council and Mark Murkomen who is head of security at Kenya Railways. 

Vandalism of Kenya Power transformers. The oil in transformers purifies cooking oil which would otherwise be unusable due to repeated usage. Such oil is mostly used to cook chips leading to health issues after continuously consuming chips. Transformer oil has more carbons hence not easily digestible. There is also vandalism of toxic metals e g lead batteries. Vandalism in reality is a form of sabotage / terrorism. Vandalism can be won by involving members of the public. The cost of vandalism is that bridges are cut off, railway lines cut off, water supply cit off and electricity supply cut off. 

What are the solutions proposed by Consumer Federation of Kenya?

a) Engaging members of the public in the fight against vandalism. This is an aspect of prevention since less resources are used to prevent than to replace. 

b) Scrap metal business can be aligned to be a true trade and not vandal business. 

Kenya Railways as a victim of vandalism. Kenya Railways has MGR line with the commuter train carrying up to 6,000 passengers. SGR line carries around 1,088 passengers but during back to school season carries up to 2,000 passengers by adding more coaches. Any vandalism of a railway line, we can lose so many lives. One railway clip costs Sh500 but you can't quantify the loss of lives / goods. 

What are the measures taken by Kenya Railways?

a) Sensitization of communities living along railway line.

b) Engaging scrap metal dealers by attending their association meetings so they know how to identify railways equipments. This has led to reduced vandalism. 

c) Kenya Railways sells scrap metals for recycling to only genuine metal dealers, but not those who get involved in vandalism. 

d) Engaging National Government Officers e.g chiefs, assistant chiefs by attending chief's barazas. 

e) Engaging Kenya Railways staff.

f) Engaging other Government Officers. 

g) Engaging media

h) Engaging schools by engaging students a few minutes at morning parade. 

I) Investigation, arrest and prosecution of criminals. 

j) Recovery of assets. This denies the criminal from benefitting from their criminal activities. 

k) Enhanced surveillance, both technology and actual patrols by railways police and DCI. Railway lines in national parks patrolled by KWS and railway lines in forested areas patrolled by KFS. 

One major concern is the ready market for copper in India and China since copper fetches Sh1,700 per kg in the black market. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IYF weekend Academy

Image
 IYF Weekend Academy Season 7 Graduation  Notable Chief guests included Emily Maina who is the Director of Youth Social Development for Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Rev Yohan Kim and Deputy Governor at Kiambu County. IYF Academy has provided skills to disadvantaged youths. This initiative, a 3 months cohort structure has equipped students with practical skills. Since 2007, IYF has channeled out over 60,000 graduates. Over 5,000 youth graduated with certificates through the IYF Free Academy which offers plumbing, hairdressing, catering, computer packages, fashion and design. The institution is committed to youth empowerment. Young people don't lack potential they lack opportunities and exposure. This institution..... Successful global economies such as USA, Singapore, Scandinavian countries and China have 2 to 3% unemployment. The youth are not just job seekers, they are job creators.  We have the potential to reduce Kenya's ...
Read more

AERC Biannual Plenary Session

Image
  African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), in partnership with the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), has announced that the 61st Biannual Plenary Session focusing on the FinTech Revolution in Africa is now scheduled for December 1st, 2024,  in Nairobi, Kenya.  This session will provide a platform for commercial banking leaders to share their successes and lessons  in navigating  challenges and seizing untapped opportunities. Through their insights, we can explore how digital transformation and strategic partnerships, can deepen financial inclusion and add value to economies across the region.” FinTech projected to grow thirteenfold to US$65 billion by 2030 and will have a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 32% This year’s theme, “The FinTech Revolution in Africa,” reflects the continent’s pivotal role in driving global financial innovation and highlights its potential for inclusive growth and economic t...
Read more

KEHPHPU address to President Ruto

Image
(KEHPHPU) The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union has issued an urgent appeal to President William Ruto’s administration to prioritize preventive and promotive healthcare through increased investment and strategic reforms. KEHPHPU Secretary-General Hon. Brown Ashira Olaly, the union commended the government for its progressive legislative achievements in 2023, including the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, Facility Improvement and Financing Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act. These developments, coupled with the establishment of Primary Health Care Networks, represent positive steps toward a robust healthcare system. However, the union highlighted significant challenges affecting Kenya’s health sector, particularly in the realm of preventive health services. It expressed concern over the persistent underfunding and neglect of preventive healthcare, citing the disproportionate allocation of resources to curative services. Out of the KES 140...
Read more