Naivas dismisses claims on expired goods and branch closures
Naivas Supermarket has denied claims that it is selling expired products or that any of its branches have been closed by authorities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the retail giant dismissed the claims, circulating widely on social media and informal platforms, as false, misleading, and harmful to both its brand and its loyal customer base.
“We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on our shelves. We maintain stringent internal quality control and stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health regulations,” the statement read in part.
Naivas emphasised that all of its outlets remain fully operational and compliant with the standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Ministry of Health, and other regulatory bodies. The company warned that the misinformation was not only damaging but potentially part of an extortion attempt.
“The circulating claims are entirely false. They not only damage our brand but also mislead and cause unnecessary panic among our customers who depend on us for daily essentials. Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics,” the statement continued.
The supermarket chain added that it is consulting legal experts on potential formal action against the individuals or organisations responsible for spreading the falsehoods.
However, the supermarket’s denial follows a dramatic turn of events on Monday, May 13, 2025, when the Nairobi City County Health Committee ordered the immediate closure of Naivas and Carrefour supermarkets over serious public health violations.
Speaking during a site inspection, Mountain View MCA Maurice Ochieng, Chair of the Health Committee, said the team had uncovered alarming breaches of food safety, hygiene, and labelling standards at both retailers.
“Our findings indicate they are operating illegally, handling food without the required medical certificates, which is a clear violation of Cap 254 of the Public Health Act. We therefore demand the immediate closure of this facility until full compliance with the Public Health Act is demonstrated,” Ochieng stated
“At Naivas Moi Avenue branch, the committee said it found expired products on the shelves and food handlers who lacked valid medical certification. We have identified expired products being displayed on shelves, putting Nairobians at significant risk due to compromised food safety,” he reported.
He cited specific examples, including expired Daima Yoghurt and KCC Daylight Yoghurt without any visible shelf life or manufacturing date. The committee also claimed widespread forgery of mandatory health certificates for food handlers, adding that the documents produced were scanned and likely counterfeit.
The committee extended its oversight to Carrefour’s Westgate branch, raising red flags over the preparation and distribution of food under questionable conditions.
“Much of the perishable food being sold to Nairobi residents is frozen, a practice that raises serious concerns about quality and safety, even potentially being worse than food sold on the streets,” Ochieng said.
Ochieng linked the violations to the recent spike in cholera cases across Nairobi.
“Cases of cholera in Nairobi are very high, and this is a result of the contaminated food being sold by these supermarkets. We must bring this to an end,” he added.
The committee urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and County Health CEC Susan Silantoi to act swiftly in ensuring food sold across Nairobi is safe for public consumption.
