Scrap Metal Dealers Call for Tougher Penalties to Fight Illegal Exports

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The scrap metal dealers in Kenya have called for implementing tough penalties on illegal exporters of scrap metal in the country. It must be noted that smuggling of scrap materials have been flourishing across the borders with neighbouring countries.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Peter Wafula, a spokesperson of the Battery Manufacturers Association noted that if the authorities fail to control the situation, local manufacturers will face acute shortage of raw materials, which in turn may cause closing or scaling down of operations.

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The officials from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had intercepted five trucks involved in illegal exports of scrap batteries to Tanzania across the Taveta border. The enforcement of law, especially when it comes to revocation of licenses, are not happening, dealers said. However, KRA claimed that the surveillance along the Kenya-Tanzania border has been intensified following recurring incidents of smuggling acts.

The dealers demanded earliest disbandment of the Scrap Metal Council, alleging it to be the weakest link in the fight against the rising scrap metal smuggling incidents.

As per the provisions of the Scrap Metal Act, the culprits of illegal trade are liable to pay a fine of Sh10 million or serve three years in jail.