Nairobi orders closure of Naivas supermarkets over expired food claims
County health officials ordered the closure after inspectors reported expired items and untested staff but Naivas now disputes the claims in a strong denial.
KENYA – All Naivas supermarket outlets in Nairobi have been ordered shut with immediate effect following a directive from the Nairobi County Health Committee.
Officials made the decision after discovering expired food products and untested staff at several branches, according to the committee.
Speaking during a site inspection at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch on Wednesday, May 14, Committee Chairperson and Member of County Assembly Maurice Ochieng said the action was necessary to protect public health.
“We have discovered that the supermarket has been placing expired products on the shelves, putting Nairobi residents at risk,” Ochieng said. “This is not just a minor oversight. It is a direct threat to public health.”
He added that Daima yoghurt was found expired on the shelves and that KICC Delight yoghurt lacked clear shelf-life labeling. In addition, many staff working in food sections had not been tested or certified to handle food, the committee noted.
“No supermarket will reopen until all their food handlers get tested and cleared by health officers,” Ochieng said. “Food safety is a top priority, and we are urging the Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Health, Wellness and Nutrition, Suzanne Silantoi, to take immediate action.”
Naivas denies all allegations
Hours after the announcement went public, Naivas released a statement strongly denying the claims. The supermarket chain described the reports as false, misleading, and harmful.
“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 stated.
The retailer further said, “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 also condemned what it described as a coordinated smear campaign, warning that it was seeking legal advice.
“The circulating claims are entirely false, misleading, and potentially harmful, not just to our brand but to our valued customers who rely on us for daily essentials. Naivas is taking legal advice regarding a formal action against the individuals or organisations that are spreading misinformation regarding Naivas,” the statement said.
The company added that it has a zero-tolerance policy on unethical behavior. “Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” the statement concluded.
A wider food safety concern
This development comes amid growing concern over food safety in Kenya. Another recent study by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), the World Animal Protection, and the Center for Microbiology Research found evidence of bacterial contamination in raw pork and poultry sold in supermarkets.
Experts warned that some bacteria have developed resistance to common antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.
The findings point to serious gaps in Kenya’s food safety monitoring and call for improved oversight, clear standards, and more public awareness.
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