State Heightens Security Amidst Destruction Of Gov’t Infrastructure In Coast Region

NAIROBI,Kenya, Feb, 28 – The country’s rail network, Kenya power installations, oil and water pipeline infrastructure as well as aspects of the road network in the coastal region will receive increased security amidst recent cases of vandalism.

Coast Regional Commissioner John Elungata condemned the wave of vandalism terming the incidents as acts of economic sabotage that the government had previously also termed as acts of terrorism.

Elungata revealed that the government has continued to heighten security patrols along the key state infrastructure following the recent wave of vandalism with those engaged in the scrap metal business accused of benefiting from the illicit trade.

 In a tour of Taita Taveta county, the regional commissioner said that the government has already recorded impressive results as a result of the ban on scrap metal sales with more measure expected to be put in place.

“We urge the public to report those vandalising public utilities….those found culpable will be charged,” he said.

“Vandalism of road infrastructure, power utility, rail network, and oil and water pipelines among other critical public properties is indeed an economic sabotage and should not be allowed to wipe out the socio-economic gains already made in Kenya,” he said.

The government instituted a nationwide ban on the sale of scrap metals.

The move is part of  government efforts to tame illegal trade that has coincided with a recent wave of vandalism of public installations across the country.

In recent weeks, president Uhuru Kenyatta said the moratorium will stay in place until after the Government puts in place adequate measures to effectively police the sourcing, trade and export of scrap metal warning that those found culpable for vandalism of state infrastructure will be dealt with firmly.

While referring to recent vandalism of electricity transmission infrastructure, the Standard Gauge Railway and communication masts, President Kenyatta termed the acts as economic sabotage saying the Government won’t tolerate the destruction.