The Scrap Metal Council has pledged to take stringent measures against individuals and businesses involved in vandalism and illegal scrap metal trading. This follows a viral video showing people dismantling road rails along the Thika Superhighway in Nairobi’s Ngara area.
Council chairperson Francis Mugo, addressing the matter, stated that arrests have been made, and authorities are actively pursuing more suspects. Investigations are ongoing to trace the destinations of stolen scrap metals. Mugo also warned licensed dealers to refrain from providing markets for stolen materials from public infrastructure, emphasizing that such actions contribute to economic losses and disrupt essential services.
“We urge all scrap metal dealers to operate responsibly and desist from engaging in or abetting vandalism. Any involvement in this illegal trade will attract severe legal consequences,” said Mugo.
The Scrap Metal Act No.1 of 2015 mandates the council to regulate the scrap metal industry in Kenya. Over the years, the sector has faced significant challenges from the theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, including road barriers, guardrails, utility conductors, railway blocks, and transformers. In 2022, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta imposed an indefinite ban on scrap metal trading to curb this menace, terming it “economic sabotage” and akin to treason.
The government revealed in April 2022 that the ban had saved the country KSh 3 billion in damages to essential infrastructure. While the moratorium was lifted after regulations were introduced, the council suspended the issuance and renewal of export licenses in May 2024 due to renewed vandalism cases.
The council also highlighted the adverse impact of vandalism on critical services, such as widespread power shortages, as thieves target power lines and transformers for valuable metals. To mitigate these challenges, the council called on all dealers to adhere to the Scrap Metal Act’s requirements, including proper sourcing and documentation of materials.
As a proactive measure, the council continues to work with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal trade. “This is a collective responsibility. We need every stakeholder in the industry to commit to ethical practices and safeguard national infrastructure,” Mugo asserted.
The Scrap Metal Council’s renewed vigilance is expected to deter vandalism and promote responsible trading, ensuring that the industry contributes positively to Kenya’s economy without compromising public infrastructure.
