Kenya has lifted its ban on the trade of scrap metal that was put in place in January.
Betty Maina, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development said that buying and selling of scrap metal will resume beginning May 1.
“All persons dealing with scrap metal must apply for a license,” Maina said.
“All recipients of scrap metal must maintain records of supplies and suppliers after verification of identity,” she added.
The indefinite ban on scrap metal was imposed on January 20 to curb the increasing vandalism of key installations.Trading of scrap
The CS noted that the Ministry had developed rules and regulations to guide the trade in consultation with relevant Government Ministries, Departments, and stakeholders in the industry. The rules have been reviewed by National Security Agencies and recommended for implementation.
“The rules apply to collectors, agents, dealers, millers, smelters, transporters, steel fabricators, stockists of second-hand metal parts, motor vehicle salvage operators, electrical re-winders, and local welding machines fabricators,” said Maina.
Any person who undertakes scrap metal trade without a license commits an offence and is liable for prosecution.
“For a first offence to a fine not exceeding KSh10 million or an imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, for a second offence to a fine not exceeding KSh20 million or an imprisonment not exceeding five years or both,” said the CS.
Any person undertaking scrap metal trade without a license commits an offence and is liable to fines ranging from Ksh 10M to Ksh 20M, as part of tough measures aimed at regulating the sector. All licensed dealers must also register as members of a Business Member Organization. pic.twitter.com/GG3Nd9TuX5
— Trade Kenya (@Trade_Kenya) April 26, 2022
In the country, data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows the country exports about 13,000 tonnes of scrap metal annually. This translates to about 1,083 tonnes (1.08 million kilogrammes) of scrap metal every month.
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