NAIROBI, KENYA — The Nairobi City County Government has disowned a report that recommended the closure of Naivas Supermarkets due to allegations of selling expired products.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Public Health, Tom Nyakaba, clarified that the Nairobi County Executive had not ordered the closure of any Naivas branch.
This statement contradicts a prior recommendation made by the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee following an oversight visit to the Moi Avenue branch on 13th, May 2025.
“The Director of Environmental Health, Mr. Anthony Muthemba, conducted an independent assessment and found that the issues raised did not meet the legal threshold for immediate closure,” Nyakaba stated.
He explained that the decision to keep the premises open was based on technical guidance and the provisions of the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254). “Based on the Director of Environment’s report and technical guidance, the Nairobi County Executive determined that the premises should remain operational while the necessary documentation and compliance matters are reviewed administratively.”
Nyakaba emphasized that any decisions to suspend or close food establishments must adhere strictly to due process, legal requirements, and technical standards, which fall under the County Executive’s mandate. He reiterated the County’s commitment to safeguarding public health through a lawful and evidence-based approach.
The statement was issued in response to a press briefing by the County Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Hon. Maurice Ochieng, which had recommended the closure of the Naivas Moi Avenue branch and directed county officers to issue enforcement notices.
However, operations at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch continued without interruption on Wednesday.
In a separate statement released earlier, Naivas Supermarket refuted the allegations, describing them as false and misleading and attributing them to misinformation circulating on social media and other informal platforms.
“We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on our shelves,” the retailer stated. “We maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations.”
Naivas further clarified that none of its branches have been closed by any regulatory or health authority and confirmed that all stores remain fully operational and compliant with standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and other relevant bodies.
“The circulating claims are potentially harmful — not just to our brand, but to our valued customers who rely on us for daily essentials,” the statement added, warning that the retailer is seeking legal advice regarding possible formal action against individuals or entities spreading the false information.
Naivas also reaffirmed its commitment to ethical business practices, stressing that it has a strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and “will not submit to extortionary tactics.”
