Hope and ambition often outshine pretenseespecially when even humble scrap can spark income. In Kenya, the scrap metal sector is a turbocharged blend of eco-savings, grassroots hustle, and market potential. Whether youve got copper wiring, aluminium sheets, or mixed metal junk, knowing where and how to sell makes all the difference.
Why Licensed Buyers Matter
Kenyas scrap industry isnt a free-for-all. The Scrap Metal Act of 2015 and the Scrap Metal Council ensure that only licensed dealers operaterightly steering the trade away from theft and towards environmental integrity. Partnering with legitimate dealers protects both your wallet and the law.Business Radar
Top Licensed Scrap Dealers Across Kenya
Here are some known, licensed names in the game:
- RockReeeve Limited (Nairobi)
- Lees Scrap Metal Dealers (Nairobi)
- Swaki Scrap Metal Dealers (Nairobi)
- Tajiri Daima Ltd (Gigiri, Utawala)
- Donholm Scrap Metal Dealers, Jombu Scrap Metals, Magnet Scrap Metals & Plastic Dealer, among many others listed extensively across Nairobi and other cities like Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisii, and Bungoma.Business RadarKenyan Magazine
One standout company is Scrap Metal Kenya LLCEast Africas oldest and largest recycler. With yards in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and pathways into regional trade, they buy both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, offer pickup services, and handle industrial-scale volumes.scrapmetalkenya.com Also notable is ROBA Scrap Metals, known for its eco-friendly operations in Nairobi.robascrapmetal.com
Informal Collectors: The Hustle Behind the Scenes
Many Kenyansespecially youth in low-income areascollect and sell scrap as a means-of-livelihood. Some earn KSh 40 per kilo of scrap, though profits are modest and margins tight.Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.VIPASHO NEWS The process isnt without risk: from harassment to legal trouble, street-level scrap collecting is gritty and raw, often best managed by working with a dealer rather than solo. A Redditor shared that while collecting is honest, it comes with hazardsscams, threats, and uncertain income.Reddit
Quick Comparison: Traditional vs Verified Buyers
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Local Dealers | Legal, environment-friendly, verified | Limited to local offers, sometimes price opaque |
| Large Companies | Scale, logistics, pick-up services, reliability | May require significant volumes or industrial access |
| Informal Collecting | Immediate cash, low barrier to entry | Risky, low margins, fluctuating buyers and legality |
| Online Platforms | Transparency, price comparison, verified buyers | Needs internet access and smart logistics planning |
Actionable Elements: How to Sell Scrap Smartly in Kenya
- Go Licensed
Deal with licensed collectors like those listed above to avoid legal and ethical pitfalls. - Compare Offers
Dont settle for the first price. If possible, get quotes from both local dealers and bigger players like Scrap Metal Kenya. - Sort and Separate
Clean, categorized metals earn better prices. Copper, brass, and clean aluminium fetch more than mixed loads. - Work the System
Long-term collectors who supply licensed dealers see better returnsand safer trade.Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.VIPASHO NEWS - Check for Logistics Help
If youre dealing in bulk, lean on the logistics services of established players for smoother transactions.
Final Thoughts
Kenyas scrap metal trade blends survival instincts with growing sustainability. Dealers licensed by the Scrap Metal Council offer the safest pathcombining legality, environmental care, and decent rates. Platforms like Scrap Metal Kenya LLC add scale and convenience, while local collectors remind us that opportunity doesnt wait for modern tech.
