Nairobi MCAs call for closure of Naivas outlets as supermarket denies claims of food safety lapses
However, Naivas has pushed back strongly, denying all the claims terming the accusations as false and misleading.
A dramatic confrontation is unfolding between Nairobi County Assembly MCAs and Naivas Supermarkets after the ward reps recommended the immediate closure of all Naivas branches in the city.
The move follows a surprise inspection that revealed expired products and uncertified staff handling food, prompting serious concerns about public health.
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The Nairobi County Assembly's Health Committee, led by MCA Maurice Ochieng, conducted a fact-finding mission across various supermarkets in the Central Business District, aiming to assess whether food items were safe for consumption and handled correctly.
But their visit to the Naivas branch on Moi Avenue sparked outrage.
“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 inspection.
According to the legislators, the supermarket was found with expired yoghurt on display, and other items lacked expiry dates.
In some cases, labels were missing storage instructions.
What further angered the MCAs was the discovery that some staff handling food had not undergone the required medical tests.
“Also, we found out that the people handling this product have not been tested. Therefore, as a committee, 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 MCAs added.
A view of a Naivas Supermarket branch in the Nairobi CBD on May 14, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
The closure, they explained, would give room for investigations into Naivas' operations, including its suppliers.
Naivas will only be allowed to reopen after staff undergo medical certification.
The MCAs also visited the Carrefour outlet on Wabera Street, located opposite the County Assembly, where they issued a similar notice.
“Ensure all your food handlers have a valid medical certificate on site!” reads a warning issued to the supermarket.
“We will not sit back, and we are urging Suzzane 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,” added the committee.
However, Naivas has pushed back strongly, denying all the claims.
In a statement, the supermarket chain termed the accusations as false and misleading.
“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,” Naivas said.
The company also dismissed reports of a shutdown.
“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,” it stated.
Naivas warned that the misinformation could harm both their brand and their loyal customers, saying they are taking legal advice and considering formal action.
“Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” the statement read.
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