Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Monday, June 26, revealed that President William Ruto's government was working with Japanese investors to buy junk vehicles lying around in Kenyan homes.
In a statement, the CS stated that under the deal, the state will work with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Numerical Machine Complex to establish the company in Kenya.
The CS added that the company, slated to begin operations in a few months, will buy unroadworthy cars and dismantle them in an environmentally friendly way.
He explained that the move will provide a solution to car owners who did not know how to get rid of old automobiles that they no longer used.
“I am very excited to have met the Japanese investors who are working closely with JICA and the Numerical Machine complex to establish a local company for dismantling end-of-life vehicles.
“When all is set up, in a few months, you would be able to sell that junk vehicle in your compound and the investors will dismantle it in a very environmentally friendly way using sophisticated technology,” he stated.
Additionally, Kuria stated that he also committed to putting in place a government policy that would guide on the best way to dispose of unused government vehicles.
He noted that other developed countries imposed a disposal levy on car owners when they purchased vehicles to ensure that unused cars were not detrimental to the environment.
“I have also committed to having a government policy in place so that we can dispose of obsolete government vehicles lying around. In other developed countries, they impose a disposal levy at the time of purchasing your vehicle.
“When these heavy metals are not properly disposed of, they constitute a very serious threat to the environment and an expensive health hazard to people,” added the CS.
Earlier on May 30, the State House announced plans to carry out a mass auction of vehicles, tyres and scrap metal aimed at getting rid of government automobiles and machinery that were no longer in use.
"The Executive Office of The President – State House intends to sell through Public Auction Unserviceable Motor Vehicles, Tyres, Batteries, Lawn Mowers and Assorted Scrap Metal on June 2023 starting at 10 am at the State Department for Roads, Ruiru," read the notice in part.
