Scrap metal dealers have strongly opposed Kenya Power’s call for a total ban on copper exports and stricter regulations on the scrap metal trade.
The dealers argue that such measures would only drive their industry underground, while Kenya Power insists that the ban is necessary to curb rampant vandalism of power infrastructure.
However, the Scrap Metal Dealers Association has been vocal in its opposition to the proposed ban, asserting that their business is a significant contributor to the economy, generating around Sh20 million daily.
“We have an average of Ksh20 million being generated from various players here. This is a Ksh1 billion daily industry…It is a big business,” said the Association’s Treasurer David Gathendo.
Additionally, the association’s chairman, Evans Nganga, spoke against the ban stating, “Kenya Power should stop transferring their failures to us.”
The secretary-general, Gladys Nyambura, echoed this sentiment, adding that “Kenya Power has become a thorn in the flesh when it comes to scrap business.”
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KPLC CEO Reveals Link Between Vandalism & Scrap Metal Business
However, Kenya Power maintains that there is a direct link between vandalism and the copper waste business.
Speaking during a joint stakeholders’ forum the firm’s CEO, Joseph Siror, revealed that during the government’s ban on scrap metal dealing between January and May 2022, there were zero cases of vandalism.
But immediately after the moratorium was lifted, a serious spike in vandalism cases occurred, with 76 transformers worth Sh68 million vandalized between May and December 2022.
“In 2023, we lost 365 transformers worth Ksh 328 million. In 2024, we have so far had 78 transformers vandalized, worth Ksh.78 million.”
“The loss constitutes only the cost of installing a new transformer. If you compute the cost of unserved energy, loss of business, and possibly lives, the losses are in billions of Kenya shillings,” said Siror.
Scrap Metal Dealers Warn of Impact of Ban
The scrap metal dealers warned that a ban on their business would lead to increased cases in the black market.
They have appealed to Kenya Power to reconsider its position and work with them to address the issue of vandalism.
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“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.
Evans Nganga emphasized, “Let everyone stay within their lane so that we can work together but not labeling each other vandals and everything.”
“We want to support the last mile project, and our people will ensure that vandalism will not take place.”
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