The Scrap Metal Council under the State Department of Industry on Thursday, May 23, immediately stopped the issuance and renewal of licenses to export scrap metal.
This decision was announced after a Special Full Council meeting following an increase in the vandalism of key infrastructure in the country especially power lines costing the country millions.
"The Council has resolved to suspend renewal and issuance of export licenses with immediate effect until further notice," read part of the statement.
Additionally, the council emphasised its support towards a decision made by Embu County Government to suspend scrap metal businesses until further notice.
To curb the increasing cases of vandalism in the country, the council renewed its commitment to aid the Ministry of Interior in mapping and vetting all scrap metal dealers in the country.
"The councils calls 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," read the statement in parts.
Currently, the council allows eligible individuals to export scrap metal in consultation with the Trade and Treasury Cabinet Secretaries. This is only issued for a period of time.
When a person is allowed to export they are required to get a certificate for each consignment issued by the Principal Secretary in the sector.
If a person is given an exemption, they can only export the goods for six more months before the certificate expires.
"Any person who contravenes this commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh10 million to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both," the council warns.
Earlier, Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Siror had raised the alarm that the corporation was losing millions due to vandalised transformers each year.
Siror on Wednesday revealed that over 365 transformers were lost due to vandalism in 2023 and 78 others between January and May 2024.
This cost Kenya Power Ksh328 million and Ksh78 million respectively.
In May 2023, the council also raised concerns of the increase in illegal scrap metal dealers who mostly sell stolen goods.
The council announced a crackdown on all the said businesses.
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