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Nairobi City County has clarified that it did not order the closure of Naivas Supermarkets.

In a correspondence issued by the executive office, the county noted that the health committee only recommended the closure of a Naivas premise within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

Further, an assessment conducted by the Director of Environmental Health, Anthony Muthemba, revealed that the issue did not meet the threshold for immediate shutdown of the chain store premises in the CBD.

"On May 13, 2025, the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. 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."

The executive ordered that the said premises should remain operational while the necessary documentation and compliance matters are reviewed administratively.

It reiterated that any decision to suspend or close food establishments must be guided strictly by law.

The executive also recommended checking technical standards and due process, which is the mandate of the county officers.

Meanwhile, the health committee, led by MCA Maurice Ochieng, maintained that routine inspection at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch, as documented, found expired goods and uncertified food handlers.

The committee dismissed the food market's accusations of extortion and bribery against it as baseless and lacking evidence.

"Such claims appear designed to tarnish the reputation of MCAs and undermine our ability to perform our duties without fear of intimidation. We urge Naivas to formally lodge any corruption complaints with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for independent investigation," said the committee in a statement seen by .

The committee noted that the allegations of extortion without a police report or substantiating evidence smack of blackmail by Naivas, which must cease immediately.

It further warned the retailer that failure to comply will compel the Nairobi City County Assembly to seek legal redress for defamation and obstruction of oversight duties.

The directive to shut down Naivas Supermarket stores in Nairobi caught the attention of many Kenyans, who shared mixed reactions.

Some argued that the chain store deserved to be closed, citing incidents where they had bought expired goods.

Others accused the county government of sidelining the retailer.

Source: TUKO.co.ke