Scrap metal dealers decry police harassment
They also accused county governments of overtaxing them by introducing multiple licenses which are eating up their profits
Scrap metal dealers have decried harassment by law enforcement agencies whom they accuse of frustrating their business.
Through the Scrap Metal Dealers Association, the traders said they are genuine, licensed business people and deserve respect and protection like other enterprises.
Speaking during a meeting of Knight Scrap Sacco members in Ruiru, Kiambu County, the association’s Chairman Francis Ng’ang’a said they are establishing a legal team to defend members from police harassment and asked dealers not to part with any coin in form of bribes.
“We want the government to give us a conducive atmosphere to do business like other Kenyans. Scrap dealers must be accorded respect by government officers because they contribute to the country’s economic development,” said Ng’ang’a.
The dealers also accused county governments of overtaxing them by introducing multiple licenses which are eating up their profits.
Responding to the concerns raised by the traders, the Chairman of the Scrap Metal Council of Kenya Francis Mugo said reports of harassment were rampant across the country and that the body was working to resolve the matter with the relevant agencies.
“We are in touch with various section heads including the Police Service and we are telling them that scrap dealers are licensed and should be allowed to do business without undue harassment,” said Mugo.
The Council Chairman pointed out that the crap metal industry is currently earning the country Sh 8 billion yearly growing from Sh 1.2 in 2022 when it was affected by a moratorium introduced by the previous administration.
However, he asked the sector players not to buy materials from unscrupulous people who sell metal from vandalized equipment.
He also explained that sale of copper has not been banned in Kenya as
alleged, but only products from power supply installations or railway lines are outlawed.
The association’s Secretary General Gladys Nyambura appealed to President William Ruto listen to their pleas for government support.
