The Government on Tuesday lifted the ban on scrap metal trade that was forced in January to curb vandalism of critical infrastructure.
Betty Maina, the Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade, and Enterprise Development, said trading of scrap metal will resume starting May 1.
CS Maina said the order would be implemented gradually as the government looks to vet all scrap metal brokers in the country.
“Government will from 1st May 2022 lift ban on dealing, buying and selling of scrap metal in the country. However only duly registered and licensed businesses will be allowed to operate,” the minister said.
“All persons dealing with scrap metal must apply for a license. All license applicants will be vetted by the multi-Agency teams established in each county.”
CS Maina said the government has created rules to direct the trade in crap metal to guarantee that infrastructures, for example, transformers, transmission lines, rail, and road works are not vandalized.
“All recipients of scrap metal must maintain records of supplies and suppliers after verification of identity,” she added.
All licensed dealers must also register as members of a Business Member Organization.
The CS cautioned that any individual who undertakes scrap metal trade without a permit commits an offense and is responsible upon conviction to imprisonment and fines going from Sh10M to Sh20M.
