Nairobi Shuts Down All Naivas Supermarkets Over Food Safety Violation

The Nairobi County government has ordered the immediate closure of all Naivas Supermarket locations within the county, citing significant food safety violations. 

The unprecedented directive, effective Wednesday, May 14, follows a Nairobi County Health Committee inspection that revealed the sale of expired food products across multiple branches of the retail chain. The announcement, delivered at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch in Nairobi's central business district, was spearheaded by Member of County Assembly (MCA) Maurice Ochieng. 

The Health Committee's findings indicated that numerous Naivas outlets were stocking and selling expired items, posing a direct risk to consumer health. Further concerns were raised regarding hygiene protocols and the medical certification status of food handlers within the supermarket chain. 

The closure affects over 30 Naivas supermarkets throughout Nairobi, impacting major residential and commercial areas including Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands, Lang’ata, Buruburu, and Kasarani. The county government has mandated that Naivas conduct comprehensive product safety assessments and secure new clearance certificates before resuming operations.

Specific infractions highlighted by the Health Committee included the discovery of expired Daima Yoghurt on shelves and KICC Delight Yoghurt products lacking manufacturing or expiry dates, making it impossible for consumers to ascertain their freshness. MCA Ochieng stresses the critical importance of food safety, emphasising that such lapses directly endanger the health and well-being of Nairobi residents. 

He calls on Nairobi County's Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Health, Wellness, and Nutrition, Suzanne Silantoi, to strengthen food safety regulations across all retail establishments in the county. This is not the first time Naivas has faced regulatory action. In December 2024, the Ruaraka branch was shut down due to structural safety concerns following inspections that deemed the building potentially unstable. 

Neighbouring businesses were also closed as a precautionary measure. Naivas Supermarket has been a prominent player in Kenya's retail sector. The company operated as a family-owned business until February 2020, when French private equity firm Amethis acquired a 30% stake. 

The Mukuhas family retained majority control with 70% ownership. In 2022, Amethis divested its shares to a consortium led by IBL, a Mauritian conglomerate with interests in agro-energy, logistics, financial services, and hospitality. The shutdown presents considerable financial and logistical challenges for Naivas.