Scrap metals dealers engaging in illegal activities will have their licences revoked, the government said Thursday as it announce new measures aimed at stemming the rising cases of vandalism.
Scrap Metal Council (SCM) said it will be gazetting the new inspectors who are going to be dispatched to various counties to help in monitoring the activities.
The team will be working closely with security in ensuring all licensed dealers comply with the existing law.
A raft of regulations, Council chairperson Francis Mugo noted, already formulated are also set to be gazetted.
"We are notifying all those trading in scrap metal without licences that they risk being arrested and have their businesses closed as they face prosecution," Mugo warned.
Addressing the press, the chairperson said they are working together with security agencies and the Kenya revenue authority (KRA) so that they share information on all "misconducts" in the industry.
Already, the council has revoked the licences of three dealers which include Triple Seven collectors.
While appearing to fight off accusations of failing to control the rising cases of smugglers amidst calls to have it disbanded, the council has called for close cooperation.
Council’s CEO Gideon Apiyo called on state agencies planning to dispose of scrap metals to consult it.
The export of scrap metals is prohibited but unscrupulous traders have been capitalizing on the porous Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda borders to smuggle the material.
Used batteries are exported mainly to Tanzania something that has been a concern to the manufacturers in the country over a likely shortage.
“People are smuggling scrap metals as if there is no law. The council should move in and cancel licenses of those involved in the vice,” Peter Wafula of the Battery Manufacturers Association said recently.
Dealers have said that smuggling of scrap materials especially used batteries has been rampant in the recent past.
It is estimated that 84 percent of iron and steel sued in foundries is from recycled scrap with dealers seeking to get licences surging since the government lifted a ban mid-last year.
According to the council, the number has hit 717 from 91 with a total of 1,176 applications being processed.
Statistics show that Kenya exported about 17, 874 and 12, 722 metric tons of scrap metals worth Sh5.9 billion and Sh4.5 billion in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Ministry of Energy and its agencies have been the most affected with its key critical infrastructure being the targets.