Nairobi County has issued a notice of annual verification and inspection of weighing and measuring instruments.
The move, according to the County is in accordance with the Weights and Measures Act (CAP 513), which aims to ensure accuracy and compliance within commercial transactions across Nairobi.
In a public notice, the county government seeks to bring all businesses and traders within Nairobi to present their weighing and measuring instruments for official stamping.
According to the county, measures are exercised to facilitate fair trade by ensuring the use of accurate weighing and measuring equipment, promoting fair business practices, and protecting the consumer against exploitation in the sale of goods and services.
The mission is derived from the two Acts of Parliament enforced by the Department, namely, the Weights and Measures Act, Cap. 513, Laws of Kenya and the Trade Descriptions Act, Cap.505 Laws of Kenya.
The core functions of the Department are geared towards the fulfilment of the mission to create a fairer to limit the exploitation of customers in the central business district.
The annual Verification and Inspection initiative underscores the government's commitment to upholding fair trade practices and safeguarding consumer interests.
According to acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Nairobi County Patrick Analo Akivaga, he urged traders within a 20-kilometer radius of a stamping station must physically submit their instruments for assizing and stamping.
“Where a weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument because of it being permanently fixed or of its heavy weight (500 kg and above) or delicate construction cannot be conveniently moved, or where weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument is situated at a distance exceeding 20 km from the nearest station appointed in the pursuance to the act, it shall be sufficient to assize 'in-situ’,” Akivaga said in a past press meeting.
The purpose of the Act (CAP 513) is to warn every person who uses or has in his possession or control for use for trade any weight, measure, weighing, or measuring instrument which is false or unjust shall be guilty of an offense and the weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument shall be liable to be forfeited.
By ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments, the County aims to foster transparency and trust within the business community.
Written by Harrison Ngola.
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