Scrap metal traders on Tuesday held a demonstration in Nairobi to protest the ban imposed by the state following the vandalism of transmission lines, and critical road and rail infrastructure.
The traders lamented the new government directives demanding an increase in taxes.
Led by Anthony Githinji, a Kabete scrap metal dealer, the group appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to lift the ban saying they have been struggling to support their families.
"Tumeumia sana io miezi mitatu. Ile license ni pesa mingi, tulikopa tukalipa wafungue biashara na hawajafungua. Tunamuomba President atusikize vile asikiza watu wa bodaboda," he said.
Loosely translated to: " We have suffered for the past three months. The license is expensive. We borrowed money to pay and even so, our businesses were not opened. We urge the President to listen to us as he did to boda boda operators."
Further, he urged the government to reduce the license fee.
The dealers, smelters and millers are paying Sh250,000 while Jua Kali collectors and agents are paying Sh150,000 and Sh50,000 annually.
"Some of us cannot afford that amount," he added.
Githinji added that the traders are not the vandals insinuating that they should be spared in the crackdown.
Ann Wamaitha of Kayole reiterated that the group of dealers should not be mistaken for the vandals.
She added that despite camping outside the Ministry of Trade and Industry offices, they are yet to meet with any official.
In January, Uhuru imposed a ban on exports and dealings in scrap metal.
The suspension was meant to allow for the installation of proper guidelines put in place to regulate the sector and ensure that materials are not illegally acquired.
