Scrap metal dealers slam Kenya Power over call for total ban

Barely a week after Kenya Power called for some radical reforms to streamline scrap metal business in the country, players in the sector have come out guns blazing to defend their turf.

The dealers warn that a ban of any sort of scrap metal business will lead to increased cases in the black market.

Scrap Metal Dealers Association Chairman Evans Nganga said; “Kenya Power should stop transferring their failures to us.”

The Association’s Secretary General Gladys Nyambura added: “Kenya Power has become a thorn in the flesh when it comes to scrap business.”

Last week, Kenya Power claimed it had lost 365 transformers in 2023 to vandals. The power distributor estimated the sale of the lost equipment to Ksh.328 million, prompting it to call for a ban on copper exports to curb vandalism of its wires, while demanding scrap metal dealers disclose their sources of copper and aluminium.

The dealers have however faulted the position.

“Once there is a black market, you are encouraging another market. Let us appeal to Kenya Power, do not go that way of banning scrap metal. Our request is for Kenya Power to come to us we talk and reason,” stated Mr. Nganga.

Dealers in scrap metal say their business has been unfairly targeted, affirming that they also have a role to play in the economy.

Scrap Metal Dealers Association Treasurer David Gathendo noted: “We have an average of Ksh.20 million being generated from various players here. This is a Ksh.1 billion daily industry...It is a big business.