The Scrap Metal Council has suspended the renewal and issuance of export licenses with immediate effect following a resurgence of wanton vandalism of critical national infrastructure.
The Chairman of Scrap Metal Council Mr. Francis Mugo said the Council calls upon 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 and Lighting equipment and private property where metals and copper are vandalized.
He further urged all the licenced dealers to ensure they operate within the legal framework as per the Scrap Metal Act by identifying their source of material.
“The country has been receiving so many applications of people who want to export scrap metal from Kenya while the country does not mine copper,” said Mugo.
The chairman who was addressing a press conference on the status of scrap metal industry at NSSF building after holding a Special Full Council meeting said the Council agreed with the action taken by the security agencies charged with the task of protecting Critical National Infrastructure in Embu County to suspend the scrap metal business in the county until further notice.
“The suspension in Embu is in place until proper vetting is done,” stressed Mugo who added that the Council has renewed its commitment to the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government regarding mapping and vetting of all scrap metal dealers in the country and has developed a working relationship with the Ministry to get rid of vandalism.
The chairman noted that the country is experiencing cases of power shortages in so many parts due to vandalism saying that people will not accept to live in a country where vandalism derails development.
Mugo advised scrap metal dealers not to open yards on basis of a licence from associations which is just one of the processes of licencing, saying that for one to engage in scrap metal business, they must be approved by the Scrap Metal Council who will issue them a licence.
“We have so many cases of dealers in the country who are operating on the basis of association licences, this will not be allowed,” cautioned the chairman.
He directed illegal scrap metal dealers to close down their shops and yards and be compliant with the law, warning that those who will not comply will face the full force of the law.
“Within the three months we have 21 exporters, seven vetting pending applications and 13 fresh applications,” Mugo said, adding that fresh vetting will be done including those of the 21 licenced exporters whose licences will lapse in three months.
After three months the reports from Kenya Power and other government agencies will determine if the scrap metal export business will continue or be banned completely, Mugo said.
Scrap Metal Council is a State Corporation established vide Scrap Metal Act No.1 of 2015 and mandated to regulate the scrap metal industry in the country.
By Lilian Mwikali and Zainap Mong’are
