A Nairobi scrap metal trader has defended herself against charges of handling restricted energy equipment, insisting that every item found in her yard was properly acquired and backed by authentic paperwork.
Sheila Mwaikwasi, who is facing several counts under Section 169(1)(c) of the Energy Act No. 1 of 2019, told the court that her operations were aboveboard and routinely inspected. She said the materials seized during the January 2024 raid were part of consignments she had legitimately bought in 2023, with some transported from Arusha after full payment and verification.
Mwaikwasi described her business model as one built on bulk purchases, where goods are only released after she completes payment to licensed suppliers. She also produced a valid association licence for 2025/2026, saying it demonstrates her compliance with scrap industry regulations.
Addressing concerns about the nature of the seized equipment, she admitted that some pieces resembled materials used by Kenya Power, KETRACO and other agencies, but insisted that scrap metal is rarely marked. She told the court that ownership is determined through delivery notes, sales agreements and supplier declarations documents that no party has disputed since her arrest.
Her testimony was reinforced by Ugandan supplier Kata Derrick, who said he has supplied her for five years. Derrick testified that he is licensed in Uganda and trades across the region, including Sudan and Congo. He told the court that he only exports scrap after buyers have paid in full and that all shipments entering Kenya must be declared at the border, where KEBS and KRA approvals are mandatory. According to him, Mwaikwasi has always followed the process and presented the required documentation.
The prosecution alleges that on January 30, 2024, Mwaikwasi was found at Industrial Area along Lunga Lunga Road with 1,292 kilograms of high-voltage earthing copper and components used in 132KV, 220KV and 400KV power installations, valued at Sh1,679,600 and believed to belong to the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company.
She is also accused of handling 330 kilograms of copper windings worth Sh429,000 allegedly owned by Kenya Power; 134 kilograms of earthing wires valued at Sh147,400 said to belong to the Kenya National Highways Authority; and 139 kilograms of copper bus bars and cables valued at Sh500,000 reportedly owned by American Towers Corporation.
Investigators maintain that she knew, or ought to have known, that the items were stolen or unlawfully obtained. Mwaikwasi, however, insists she was running a lawful business and that her documents tell the full story.
