City Hall has distanced itself from a controversial order to shut down all Naivas Supermarket outlets within Nairobi County over allegations of failure to meet health safety regulations.
Nairobi County Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba says the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee led by Maurice Ochieng recommended the closure of Naivas Moi Avenue and others after conducting an oversight visit and instructed county officers to issue notices.
“We wish to clarify that it has not ordered the closure of Naivas supermarket as stated during a press conference held by the County Assembly Health Committee,” said Nyakaba.
According to Nyakaba, Nairobi County Director of Environmental Health Anthony Muthemba also conducted an independent follow-up assessment of the said premises.
He says Muthemba concluded that issues raised fell short of the legal threshold warranting immediate closure as outlined in the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254.
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Based on this finding, the Nairobi County Executive resolved that the premises continue operating as they review the documentation and compliance issues administratively.
Nyakaba said any decision to suspend or close food joints must strictly follow the law, technical standards and due process, which all fall under County Executive’s purview.
“The Department of Health and Nutrition remains committed to upholding public health and food safety in Nairobi. Our approach is evidence-based and anchored in the rule of law,” he added.
In its report, the Ochieng team alleged Naivas stocked expired items, including yogurt and other products without expiry dates, and that the retail chain employed uncertified staff.
On Wednesday, Naivas Supermarket dismissed the allegations by the MCAs terming the accusations were baseless and probably motivated by malice and extortion attempts.
“Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” stated the Kenyan retailer.
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