Although the export of scrap metal is prohibited in the country, some traders have been taking advantage of the porous borders Kenya has with its East African counterparts, especially Uganda and Tanzania, to smuggle the commodity.
There have been accusations and counter accusations between the police and the Scrap Metal Council on who is responsible for the increase in the export of the commodity to Uganda and Tanzania.
The Kenya Revenue Authority has in the last one week intercepted five lorries exporting scrap batteries to neighbouring Tanzania through the Taveta border, with players in that industry calling for tougher penalties.
KRA officer in charge of the station, Peter Kiilu, said that his officers have intensified surveillance along the Kenya-Tanzania border but called for concerted efforts by security personnel to fight the vice.
