Kenya: Metal Sector Allied Manufacturers Laud Scrap Metal Trade Ban

Nairobi — Manufacturers under the metal and allied sector have welcomed President Uhuru’s directive to ban the trade of scrap metal until further guidelines are put in place.

In a statement, the manufacturers noted that they have suffered from increased vandalism on infrastructure including roads, railway lines and power lines over the years and this has impacted the efficiency of these projects.

“As a sector, we remain committed to working with the newly-formed scrap metal council towards the development of these guidelines on scrap metal trade,” said the Kenya Association of Manufacturers(KAM), Metal & Allied Sector Chair, Bobby Johnson in a statement.

Johnson said that they shall continue to collaborate with Government and industry stakeholders to support the implementation of these guidelines to the letter once they are finalized and operationalized.

On January 19, President Uhuru banned exports and dealings in scrap metal.

Speaking at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Uhuru said that no dealer will be allowed to engage in the business until proper guidelines are put in place to regulate the sector.

The ban came at a time the country has witnessed an increase in the number of vandalism cases mainly on power lines across the country.