Scrap metal dealers have been warned against buying scrap metal suspected to be obtained through vandalism of public and private structures.

In a statement, the chairman of the Scrap Metal Council Francis Mugo said that there have been increased cases of vandalism on road structures in the country.

“Scrap Metal Council has noted with concern the recurring and increasing reports of destruction and vandalism of critical public and private infrastructures in the country especially on our roads and highways,” Mugo stated.

“In view of the above, the Council is cautioning scrap metal dealers to desist from aiding these misconducts through purchase of metals obtained through destruction and vandalism.”

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta banned the trade in January 2022, but the government lifted the ban on May 1, 2022.

The ban was effected following high cases of vandalism in the country, which also affected electric power structures leading to frequent power outages in the country.

Lifting the ban, former Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina announced that only duly registered and licensed businesses will be allowed to operate.

“All license applicants will be vetted by the multi-Agency teams established in each county,” she said in April 2022.

In June, the Pamoja Scrap Metal Association of Kenya (PASAK) warned the public to be wary of unlicensed people camouflaging as legal scrap metal dealers.

The association officials decried that an upsurge of vandalism on both public and private infrastructure is being facilitated by illegal players in the scrap metal industry who are using fake licenses to hoodwink the public.