The Nairobi City County Executive has distanced itself from a directive to close Naivas supermarkets in Nairobi.
The county said it recommended the closure of Naivas Supermarket (Moi Avenue branch), where they had conducted an oversight visit.
In a statement on Wednesday, the county said it recommended the closure of the premises and instructed officers to issue notices.
“We wish to clarify that it has not ordered the closure of Naivas supermarket as stated during a press conference held by the County Assembly Health Committee,” the statement by Nairobi County Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba read in part.
On Wednesday, the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee, led by Chairperson Maurice Ochieng, conducted an oversight visit to Naivas Supermarket (Moi Avenue branch) and other premises.
“The Committee recommended the closure of the said premises and instructed officers to issue notices.”
According to the county, the director of Environmental Health, Anthony Muthemba, conducted an independent follow-up assessment of the premises.
He concluded that the issues identified did not meet the legal threshold for immediate closure, as outlined in 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.
Nairobi County said that any decision to suspend or close food establishments must be guided strictly by law, technical standards and due process, which is the mandate of the County Executive.
“The Department of Health and Nutrition remains committed to upholding public health and food safety in Nairobi. Our approach is evidence-based and anchored in the rule of law.”
This is after reports claimed that the Nairobi County Assembly's Health Committee had directed the closure of all Naivas stores in the capital.
The reports alleged that expired items, including yogurt and products without expiry dates, had been discovered during an inspection. Additional accusations suggested that the retailer employed uncertified staff.
Naivas, however, dismissed these claims, maintaining that the accusations were baseless and possibly motivated by malicious intent. The retailer also indicated that it is seeking legal advice on pursuing formal action against those responsible for spreading the allegations.
“Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” the company asserted.
The supermarket chain, which is one of Kenya’s leading retailers, emphasised its commitment to upholding high standards in food safety, employee certification, and ethical operations.
It called upon customers to disregard the misinformation and continue to shop with confidence.
"No Naivas branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority. All our stores remain fully operational and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies," Naivas said in a statement.
