Nairobi MCAs Fight Over Naivas Supermarket Closure
The crisis surrounding the Naivas store is threatening to escalate as the Nairobi City County Assembly Health Committee issued a blistering rebuttal to the major retailer over bribery claims.
On Wednesday evening, May 14, the committee punished Naivas for the supermarket’s earlier statement, in which they denied misconduct during a recent inspection of its Moi Avenue location.
Naivas, which had faced harsh criticism earlier in the day, denied stocking any outdated items.
We are aware of the false claims circulating online regarding expired products and alleged branch closures. Naivas remains committed to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
— Naivas Supermarket (@naivas_kenya) May 14, 2025
Read our full statement below.#NaivasCares #HomeOfDeals pic.twitter.com/sgysm4dNfW
This comes amid allegations from the committee that many of the supermarket’s food workers had not undergone mandatory medical examinations as required by public health standards.
However, the City-County Assembly Health Committee doubled down on its initial claims.
They argued that the Moi Avenue branch examination was within their competence under Article 185 of the Kenyan Constitution (2010) and Section 9 of the County Governments Act (2012).
“Naivas Supermarket’s statement is noted, but we must remind you of the duties of Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) under the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Article 185, and the County Governments Act (2012), Section 9, which mandate MCAs to oversee and ensure compliance with health and safety standards, including food safety, for the welfare of county residents,” the committee’s statement read.
While citing inspection results, the committee claimed that the retail store violated both the Food, Drugs, and Chemical Substances Act (Cap 254) and the Public Health Act (Cap 242).
The committee also replied to bribery claims, calling them false and a distraction from real oversight.
JUST IN- Operation of Naivas Supermarket outlets in Nairobi Suspended:
— City Mirror (@citymirrorKE) May 14, 2025
Nairobi County Health Committee orders the immediate closure of all Naivas Supermarket outlets in Nairobi due to the sale of expired products.
Speaking today at Naivas Supermarket Moi Avenue branch within… pic.twitter.com/RMIexY3wQB
While urging Naivas to disclose the bribery allegations to the anti-graft body (EACC), the committee threatened to sue for defamation.
“Failure to comply will compel the Nairobi City County Assembly to seek legal redress for defamation and obstruction of oversight duties,” the statement from the committee added.
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The committee’s answer summed up an intriguing conflict between the county administration and possibly the largest retailer in the country.
Despite early instructions to close Naivas locations in Nairobi, it has been determined that for the majority of Wednesday afternoon, most stores worked normally.
Naivas further stated that because they stayed compliant, none of their locations would close.
Hours before Naivas’ presentation, Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson Maurice Ochieng attempted to back up his committee’s allegations against the retailer.
Mr. Ochieng exhibited to members of the press a can of yogurt that he claimed was expired and purchased from Naivas.
Nairobi MCAs Fight Over Naivas Supermarket Closure
