Police arrest two in Kilifi, recover stolen motorcycle parts
With a rise in motorcycle thefts in Kilifi, law enforcement took decisive action by conducting raids on the suspected scrap yards to curb the growing problem.
The National Police Service in Kenya arrested two managers from separate scrap metal yards in Majengo, Kilifi County, following a tip-off from vigilant community members about illicit activities.
With a rise in motorcycle thefts in Kilifi, law enforcement took decisive action by conducting raids on the suspected scrap yards to curb the growing problem.
Officers from Mtwapa Police Station seized one motorcycle along with stolen motorcycle parts packed in plastic sacks.
These items were linked to a wider network involved in stealing infrastructure components such as power lines and road signs across Kenya, including areas along Waiyaki Highway.
"The National Police Service (NPS) thanks the public for their valuable information that helped lead to these arrests and recoveries. We remain dedicated to protecting and serving the community," the police said in a statement.
Scrap metal theft is a pervasive issue across Kenya, with stolen motorcycles frequently dismantled and sold by unscrupulous dealers.
This illegal trade not only fuels criminal activity but also leads to the destruction of vital infrastructure such as power cables and road signs.
Despite the Scrap Metal Act of 2015, enforcement challenges persist, with reports of scrap metal smuggling across borders continuing to undermine infrastructure security.
The two scrap yard managers arrested in Kilifi remain in police custody as they await formal charges.
Research by ISS Africa highlights how ongoing theft and smuggling of scrap metal threaten East Africa’s critical infrastructure, citing recent seizures at border points like Taveta in May 2023.
Major firms such as Kenya Power and Telkom Kenya have suffered losses amounting to billions due to vandalism, yet the full implementation of the Scrap Metal Act remains elusive.
Although penalties were strengthened in 2022, introducing fines of around Sh13 million and five-year jail terms for repeat offenders, he measures have not yet curbed the widespread problem.
The Scrap Metal Council, created under the 2015 Act, is tasked with regulating the scrap metal industry, safeguarding public interests against vandalism, and advising on strategies to reduce theft, according to their official website.
The recent Kilifi operation reflects Kenya’s larger battle against scrap metal theft, an issue that carries significant economic, social, and infrastructure consequences.
While public cooperation through tips has been encouraging, skepticism remains among some citizens who criticize law enforcement for corruption and weak regulatory enforcement.
