Nairobi County kicks off annual inspection of weighing, measuring instruments

Nairobi City County government is conducting an annual verification and inspection of weighing and measuring instruments for business communities and traders.

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.

The annual Verification and Inspection initiative underscores the government's commitment to upholding fair trade practices and safeguarding consumer interests.

Acting County Secretary and Head of County Public Service Nairobi County Patrick Analo Akivaga said traders within a 20-kilometre radius of a stamping station must physically submit their instruments for assizing and stamping.

“Where a weight, measure, weighing or measuring instrument by reason 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.

For instruments that can't be moved due to weight or delicate construction, or if they are situated more than 20 km from the nearest station, assizing "in-situ" is acceptable.

Those with such instruments should inform the inspector at least three days prior to the verification and inspection date.

“Those in possession of such instruments may comply with this notice by writing to the inspector (Director Legal Metrology-Nairobi City County) advising the type, capacity and location of such instruments at least these days before the date on which the verification and inspection is to be undertaken,” Akivaga said.

He added that an inspector of weights and measures shall visit the stamping stations in several sub-counties on various dates.

In Kamukunji sub-county's Eastleigh North ward, the stamping station will be located at the City-County Office with the inspection taking place on February 27 and 28, from 9 am to 4 pm.

In addition, residents located around Air-Base Ward will go to DO's Office (Air-Base) for the inspection on February 29, from 9 am to 4 pm.

The inspector will also be located at Eastleigh South Chief’s Office in Eastleigh Section 3 and 4, for the scheduled inspection on March 1 and 4, from 9 am to 4 pm.

Verification and inspection will also be conducted in other areas in Nairobi including Mathare, Makadara, Embakasi South, Embakasi East, Ruaraka, Kasarani, Embakasi West, Embakasi North, Embakai Central Sub-County.

The Weights and Measures Act (CAP 513) warns that 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 offence 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.