Garissa traders asked to present scales for verification

A customer and trader greet each other in Garissa’s Mugdi market (Courtesy)

GARISSA—Traders in Garissa County have been issued with a one-month notice to present their weighing machines for verification.

Addressing the press after launching the verification exercise, Chief Officer of Trade and Enterprise Development Mahat Salah, said that despite the department being a devolved function, the county is using the National Trade Act of Weight and Measures.

“This is a lawful exercise and the traders are required to make sure that they do it. Failure to do so will attract some penalties,” Salah said.

The verification exercise which is done once in a year requires all traders who are using scales and balance to have their machines verified.

Salah maintained that the verification is very important because it is meant to protect the customers as well as the traders adding that ‘machines experience wear and tear’.

“It is by law that every other weighing and measuring equipment that is in use for trade has to be verified and stamped every year,” he said.

Salah also noted the department has prepared a bill to regulate the trade sector in Garissa which is awaiting the approval of the executive before it is tabled in the County Assembly.