Nairobi County Executive refutes reports on ordering closure of Naivas Supermarket

The Nairobi City County Government has disowned a report recommending the closure of Naivas Supermarket over allegations that the retailer was selling expired products.

In a statement 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, despite a recommendation by the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee following an oversight visit to the Moi Avenue branch on May 13.

“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 said. He noted that the decision not to close the premises was based on technical guidance and 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 decisions to suspend or close food establishments must strictly follow due process, legal requirements, and technical standards — all of which fall under the mandate of the County Executive. He reaffirmed the County’s commitment to protecting public health through an evidence-based and lawful approach.

The statement came in response to a press briefing by the County Assembly Health Committee, chaired by Hon. Maurice Ochieng, which had recommended the closure of Naivas Moi Avenue branch and directed county officers to issue enforcement notices.

However, operations at the Moi Avenue Naivas branch continued uninterrupted on Wednesday.

In a separate statement issued earlier, Naivas Supermarket dismissed the allegations as false and misleading, attributing the claims 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 said. “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 stated 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), 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.”