The scrap metal regulator has expressed concern over rising cases of malpractice within the industry, with many traders ignoring established regulations.

The Metal Scrap Council said the lack of compliance is affecting not only the integrity of the industry but also the country’s industrial growth.

The most affected sector is the battery industry, which has been struggling to source waste batteries, which are the key raw material, following increasing incidents of smuggling to neighboring countries.

The agency’s president, Francis Mugo, said that despite the legal ban on scrap exports, smuggling activities have intensified, with battery scrap frequently being transported to Tanzania and steel scrap to Uganda.

“This illegal trade depletes local industries of essential raw materials, hampering production and economic development. The Scrap Metal Board is firmly committed to ending these illegal activities to support Kenya’s industrial advancement,” Mugo said.

Speaking to the Star, Mugo said the Council was actively working with Parliament to expedite the passage of amendments to the Scrap Metal Act currently before Parliament.

“These amendments aim to close loopholes in the 2015 Act, thereby providing a stronger legal framework for the sector. The Council is confident that these changes will further strengthen the integrity of the industry and support Kenya’s economic growth,” Mugo said.

He added that for this to be successful, the Council emphasizes the need for collaborative action between all industry stakeholders.

The council has also raised concerns about some government agencies that were involved in the illegal disposal of waste materials.

“In some cases, government agencies have even been found to be removing scrap metal without following Council guidelines.

“Such actions inadvertently contribute to infrastructure vandalism, as contractors with these disposal permits may engage in further illegal scrap collection under the guise of these documents,” he warned.

He said that in the future, the Council will insist that both government and private entities strictly comply with disposal regulations to prevent any misuse.

Mugo disagreed with a major scrap metal company in the country, accusing it of operating with impunity, exporting scrap metal in total disregard of current law.

“Earlier this week, the Council was faced with a worrying situation where a scrap metal trader, Kangethe Logistics Limited, was intercepted transporting scrap metal within the Voi area without the necessary documentation.”

“Despite clear evidence of non-compliance and suspicion that the shipment was destined for Tanzania, the trader was allowed to proceed,” Mugo lamented.

He revealed that he will meet with the Inspector General of Police, who has shown strong support, to address challenges in law enforcement and reinforce the Council’s regulatory mandate.

The council chairman said his office was aware of complaints from scrap dealers about alleged harassment by Kenya Power Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers.

“Traders have informed us that significant quantities of scrap copper have been seized claiming it came from destroyed infrastructure, despite documentation verifying its legal origins,” he said.

Mugo said the Council has already written to the Kenya Power MD, requesting that all detained copper scrap, when investigations are complete, be returned to legitimate dealers to avoid unfair disruptions to their businesses.