Kiambu: Kiambu County Government has launched a comprehensive Weights and Measures Verification exercise aimed at promoting fair trade, transparency, and consumer protection across all its Sub-counties. The initiative, led by the Department of Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Investment, commenced at Nyambari Shopping Centre, yesterday, Wednesday, November 5.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise seeks to ensure that all traders comply with the Weights and Measures Act (Cap 513), by inspecting, testing, and stamping weighing and measuring instruments used in business transactions. The verification process safeguards accuracy in trade, ensuring that consumers receive full value for their money, while traders maintain credibility and avoid disputes.
Chief Officer for Trade and Investments, Solomon Kibue, said the verification initiative reinforces public trust in local markets and strengthens fair trading practices. ‘Verification of weighing and measuring instruments, is a critical step towards building a transparent business environment,’ Mr Kibue said. ‘It guarantees that both consumers and traders operate on an equal footing, promoting confidence and accountability across all markets.’
The Directorate of Weights and Measures has already completed inspections in Ndumberi, Ting’ang’a, Kiambu, and Kiamumbi, followed by Thindigua on November 6. The team will continue its work in Turitu Shopping Centre, near Furaha Worship Centre, before extending the exercise to other trading centers within Lari Municipality and beyond.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Investment, Susan Gatwiri, said the verification drive forms part of the county’s broader plan to uphold trade standards and protect consumers from unfair practices. She encouraged traders to present their weighing and measuring instruments for the mandatory annual inspection and stamping. ‘This countywide program demonstrates our firm commitment to ensuring fairness and transparency in every marketplace,’ Gatwiri said. ‘By maintaining standardized and accurate measurement systems, we are building a business environment that rewards honesty and quality service.’
Local residents have also expressed support for the initiative. ‘Sometimes we are unsure whether the scales used in markets are accurate,’ said Mary Wanjiru, a shopper at Nyambari Shopping Centre. ‘When the County verifies these instruments, it gives us confidence that we are getting what we pay for.’
The Kiambu County Government has reiterated that the ongoing verification will cover all major trading centers, reinforcing its goal of achieving uniform measurement standards, promoting fair competition, and protecting consumers across the County.