- “We call on the Chief Justice to look into these matters and advice, as the council is getting frustrated in its efforts.”
- On May 24, Scrap Metal Council suspended the renewal and issuance of export licenses with immediate effect until further notice.
Image: FILE
Scrap Metal Council has raised concern over the release of scrap metal intercepted at the Namanga border point days after it suspended the renewal and issuance of export licences.
Council chairman Francis Mugo the release of the confiscated goods has exposed difficulties in wiping out smuggling syndicates at border entry points.
Mugo noted that transporting scrap metal at night is illegal and the export of scrap batteries is prohibited but people doing the business illegally are either released or given a very low fine which encourages the continuity of the crime.
“We call on the Chief Justice to look into these matters and advice, as the council is getting frustrated in its efforts,” he added.
Last week, the council suspended the renewal and issuance of export licences with immediate effect following a resurgence of wanton vandalism of critical national infrastructure.
The council asked all licensed scrap metal dealers across the country to comply with the law and avoid abetting vandalism of critical national infrastructure singling out Kenya Power equipment and private property where metals and copper are vandalised.
It further urged all the licensed dealers to ensure they operate within the legal framework as per the Scrap Metal Act by identifying their source of material.
On Wednesday, the council said efforts to fight vandalism are not getting enough support from agencies it is supposed to work with.
The truck intercepted in Namanga was released together with the cargo.
"I hereby order for the release of the subject motor vehicle to the accused person as no prayers for forfeiture or other directions have been made,” Voi law Courts principal magistrate Cecilia Kithinji.
The truck driver appeared before Kithinji and pleaded guilty to charges of dealing with scrap metals outside the stipulated hours of half past six in the morning and half past six in the evening.
He was slapped with a fine of Sh30,000 or served a sentence of two months.
On May 24, the Scrap Metal Council suspended the renewal and issuance of export licenses with immediate effect until further notice.
The council arrived at the decision during a Special Full Council Meeting following a resurgence of wanton vandalism of critical national infrastructure.
It called on all licensed scrap metal dealers across the country to comply with the law and avoid abetting vandalism of critical national infrastructure and private property.