26 June 2009
Nairobi — Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta is under international pressure to reconsider a ban on scrap metal exports.
Two international bodies have officially written to him, asking the government to lift the ban on scrap aluminium, steel and copper wires and cables slapped during this year's budget two weeks ago.
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the European Metal Trade and Recycling Federation (Eurometric) say banning some metals will not curb vandalism, as it is an international challenge even in developed countries.
In a letter dated June 18, and received by the minister's office Wednesday, BIR's International Trade Council wrote, "while Kenya has a domestic market for smelt aluminium and steel, it does not have one for copper. Such scrap copper will need to be exported, either legally or illegally."
Therefore, the letter said, it would make sense to closely monitor and regulate the exports only through registered dealers. The body asserted it would not accept measures aimed at restricting free flow of international trade.
"We believe vandalism can be greatly reduced by only selling the metal to licensed and regulated scrap metal dealers," said the strong worded letter.
Eurometric asked the minister to engage local metal dealers to find a way to disseminate information on theft nationally and internationally.
"Our experiences in other parts of the world show vandalism can be reduced if only bona fide dealers handle such secondary raw materials.
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