NAIROBI, KENYA — Nairobi County has ordered the immediate closure of all Naivas Supermarkets within the county due to the sale of expired products.
The Nairobi County Health Committee announced the decision, citing the supermarket chain’s practice of selling expired goods, which they deemed unacceptable. “We are here at Naivas Moi Avenue, and we have realised that there are expired products on the shelf, putting Nairobians at risk,” stated the committee, led by MCA Maurice Ochieng, on Wednesday, May 14th.
According to Nairobi County Assembly legislators, a spot check at one of the retailer’s locations revealed expired yoghurt on the shelves, as well as products lacking expiry dates.
Additionally, the supermarket chain faces accusations of employing staff who lack the necessary certifications.
“Also, we found out that the people handling this product have not been tested. Therefore, as a committee, resolve that we resolve to close all the Naivas outlets in Nairobi so that they can be tested and be given certificates so that they are able to serve the Nairobians,” the county added.
The legislators stated that Naivas will only be permitted to resume operations after all staff have undergone testing and received certification. The closure will also facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the supermarket’s operations within the county, as well as those of its suppliers.
Naivas Supermarket operates more than 30 branches across Nairobi County, including locations in Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands, Lang’ata, Buruburu, and Kasarani.
“We will not sit back, and we are urging Silantoi (County Chief Health Officer) to move with speed and make sure that Nairobians are safe with food because most of these facilities have expired products,” he added.
