Scrap metal dealers across the country have raised an alarm over the continued harassment by the police despite the legalization of the multi-billion industry.
They said police continue to extortionate, harass and frustrate them forcing several of them to quit the industry.
Speaking during a stakeholders meeting in Ruiru town, the traders said the industry has significantly improved the country’s economy bringing billions of shillings as foreign exchange and needs empowerment.
They presented their grievances to the chairman, Scrap Metal Council of Kenya Francis Mugo who assured that the government continues to recognize the industry and that the sector has been fully licensed and legalized.
However, he urged traders not to give in to extortion by corrupt police officers but instead report such cases to senior authorities.
“This is a legitimate business that is growing and supporting key sectors of our economy, including the affordable housing project championed by President William Ruto. Thus, we urge police officers to stop invading our yards and demanding bribes. We will not tolerate this harassment any longer,” said Mugo.
He revealed that the industry had earned the country over Sh15 billion in foreign exchange in the year 2024 alone, Sh8 billion in 2023 and Sh2 billion in 2022, and need to be supported.
Since the Kenya Kwanza government came into power two years ago, Mugo said that, the sector has seen unprecedented growth, with scrap materials now forming a key input in the ongoing affordable housing mega projects.
On the other hand, Evans Ng’ang’a, a representative of the Knight Club and Iron Metal Dealers Association, reiterated the industry’s potential but expressed concern over the importation of scrap metal, which he said undermines local production.
“Kenya is capable of producing enough steel. We oppose the continued importation of scrap metal and are currently in talks with the government to address this issue. We must prioritize local capacity,” said Ng’ang’a.
The traders led by Gladys Macharia have now called on the government to recognize and protect the scrap metal sector, terming it not only a source of livelihood for thousands of Kenyans but also a strategic contributor to national development.
They called for continued dialogue to ensure the industry thrives without interference.
“This sector should be empowered just like the coffee and tea industries due to its huge potential,” said Ms Macharia.
By Muoki Charles
