Kenyan manufacturers are pressuring the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to curb a surging scrap metal smuggling trade that is depleting raw materials and costing the government revenue.

• Manufacturers accuse unscrupulous dealers of ferrying tonnes of scrap metal, particularly used lead-acid batteries, to Tanzania and Uganda through border points like Holili and Busia.
• Associated Battery Manufacturers (East Africa) Limited (ABM) reports a 50 percent decline in used battery collection due to this illegal export.
• Industry players highlight that the removal of a 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on scrap metal in July has exacerbated the problem, with the new 1.5 percent withholding tax proving ineffective.