Scrap metal traders from all over the country staged a protest on Tuesday , requesting President Uhuru to lift ban on their industry
The Secretary General ,Irshad Sumra, of the Kenya Iron and Scrap Metal Association (KISMA) , lamented over delayed progress despite agreeing on the regulations .
“It is unfortunate that despite agreeing on the regulations nothing is moving .Our Manufactures and scrap metal dealers are truly suffering and incurring huge losses , ” Sumra said .
During the start of the year President Uhuru announced an indefinite ban on the trading in Scrap metals as part of the government’s attempts to put to a close rampant incidences of destruction of public infrastructure .
The unprecedented ban intended to last until when the government would instill legislation to regulate scrap metal sourcing , trade and export.
Earlier last month, the government imposed a new set of restrictions on the industry , requiring dealers to apply for new licenses and register with corporate organizations in order to allow for self -regulation.
Licensed dealers , millers and smelters would pay sh 250,000 in annual fees agents will pay sh150,000 while jua kali collectors will pay sh50,000 under the new legislation.
Sumra urged the President to intervene , citing the Trade Ministry’s and the scrap metal council’s slowness in getting the firm up and running .
“We are asking the President to intervene .We are tired on waiting on the Ministry of Trade and Scrap metal council for action .” KIMSA secretary general said .
