Do weighing scales and fuel pumps need to be verified?
Weights and Measures Act · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Yes. Scales, weights, measures and measuring instruments such as fuel pumps used for trade must be tested and stamped by a weights and measures inspector, who can call them in for verification once a year. Using a false or inaccurate one for trade is an offence, and so is using a prescribed instrument that has not been passed and stamped; the instrument can be forfeited.
- Deadline
- Fixed or remote instruments: written notice to the inspector at least 3 days before verification is due.
- Where
- Your county weights and measures office; national Weights and Measures Department, State Department for Trade (complaints@trade.go.ke)
Steps
- Watch for the verification notice in the Gazette and local newspaper, published at least 14 days before, and take your scales and measures to the time and place it gives.
- For a fixed, heavy or delicate instrument (like a fuel pump), or one more than 20 km away, tell the inspector in writing where it is at least 3 days before verification is due.
- Pay the prescribed fee. The inspector tests the instrument and, if it is accurate, stamps it and gives you a certificate.
- To report a scale or pump you think is wrong, contact your county weights and measures office, which investigates complaints and prosecutes offences.
Watch out
- If an installed instrument is taken down and put up again, even in the same place, it must be verified and stamped again before use.
- Ignoring a verification notice is itself an offence.
- Even a stamped instrument is unlawful if it is false or unjust (outside the allowed error); it can be forfeited.
- Offences under the Act, such as using an unstamped or false scale, carry a fine of up to KSh 20,000, up to 3 years in prison, or both.
Who this covers
- Traders: any scale or measure found with you or on your trading premises is treated as being for trade unless you prove otherwise.
- Fuel stations: a fuel dispensing pump is a liquid fuel measuring instrument covered by the weights and measures rules.
- Sellers of scales and measures: they may only sell ones for trade use that carry a valid verification stamp from the past year.
Official sources (3)
- Weights and Measures Act, Cap. 513 (Revised Edition 2012) trade.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Weights & Measures trade.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Weights and Measures Act (Cap. 513) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026