Naivas stores to remain open as City Hall snubs MCAs' call to close city outlets
The Health Chief Officer emphasised that food safety enforcement remains the duty of the Executive, and it must be exercised with evidence and in line with the law.
In a blow to Nairobi MCAs, the Nairobi County Government has ruled out the immediate closure of Naivas Supermarket outlets in the city, saying that the issues raised by the County Assembly Health Committee do not meet the legal conditions required to warrant such action.
Chief Officer for Public Health Tom Nyakaba, in a statement on Wednesday evening, clarified that while concerns were raised during a recent inspection at the Moi Avenue branch, the law must guide any decision to suspend business operations.
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“The issues identified did not meet the legal threshold for immediate closure, as outlined in the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254,” Nyakaba said.
The health committee, led by its chairman, MCA Maurice Ochieng, had earlier called for the shutdown of all Naivas outlets in Nairobi.
Their demand followed an unannounced inspection that reportedly found expired yoghurt, products without expiry dates, and uncertified food handlers on duty.
“We are here at Naivas Moi Avenue, and we have realised that there are expired products on the shelf, putting Nairobians at risk,” the committee said during the visit.
They also insisted that the supermarket chain should only reopen once all its staff are medically certified.
A view of the entrance to Naivas Supermarket Moi Avenue branch in Nairobi on May 14, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
But according to the Nairobi County Executive led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, a follow-up assessment by the Director of Environmental Health, Anthony Muthemba, did not support the committee’s recommendation.
Administrative follow-up
Based on his findings, the county concluded that administrative follow-up was more appropriate.
“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 explained.
The Health Committee also extended their inspections to other outlets, including Carrefour on Wabera Street, where they issued warnings and demanded that all food handlers present valid medical certificates.
In response to the public pressure, Naivas defended its operations, dismissing the allegations as false and damaging.
“No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations,” the supermarket said in a statement.
“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."
The Health Chief Officer emphasised that food safety enforcement remains the duty of the Executive, and it must be exercised with evidence and in line with the law.
“As such, the Nairobi County Executive reiterates that any decision to suspend or close food establishments must be guided strictly by law, technical standards and due process,” Nyakaba said.
He added that the Health and Nutrition Department is committed to public safety through a process that is factual, lawful, and balanced.
“Our approach is evidence-based and anchored in the rule of law,” Nyakaba concluded.
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