All Naivas Supermarkets In Nairobi Ordered To Close Down
This development comes in the wake of a disturbing inspection by the 23-member Health Committee, which uncovered numerous health violations posing serious risks to consumers.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Nairobi County has issued an immediate shutdown order for all Naivas Supermarket outlets within its jurisdiction.
The Nairobi County Health Committee stated on Wednesday, May 14, that the retail chain has been found distributing expired products, prompting authorities to take decisive action and temporarily close all affected branches.
This development comes in the wake of a disturbing inspection by the 23-member Health Committee, which uncovered numerous health violations posing serious risks to consumers.
Among the major concerns were expired products, most notably yoghurt, lacking clear expiry dates, and employees who had not undergone required health screenings.
Nairobi County Health Committee orders immediate closure of all Naivas Supermarket outlets in the city#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/nEEzfBWlOZ — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) May 14, 2025
Speaking at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch, Committee Chair Maurice Ochieng stressed that these breaches represent a direct threat to public health and violate established food safety regulations.
"We have realised that there are expired products which are being put on the shelves, putting Nairobians at risk," he stated.
"Number two, we have come up and found that most of the people who are handling the food are not being tested, so we therefore, as a committee, resolve that we close all the Naivases so that they can be tested and be given certificates."
The lead inspector further declared that "We will not sit back", underscoring the urgent need to uphold food safety standards across the county.
The closure aims to pressure the supermarket chain into rectifying key issues—specifically, the removal of expired items from shelves and the proper testing and certification of all food handlers.
The Nairobi County Health Committee has also urged CEC Susan Silantoi to take swift and decisive action to guarantee that Nairobi residents have access to safe and uncontaminated food.
"We will not sit back, and we are urging Suzanne Silantoi (County Chief Health Officer) to move with speed and make sure that Nairobians are safe with food because most of these facilities have expired products," he added.
The supermarket must now implement urgent corrective measures before it can be allowed to reopen.
In the meantime, consumers are urged to stay alert by checking expiration dates and observing hygiene conditions when purchasing food items.
This move also sends a clear message to other food outlets in Nairobi, emphasising the need to strictly adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations.
It is expected to have significant ramifications on the operations of the Naivas Supermarket franchise, with over 30 branches within Nairobi County, including areas such as Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands, Lang'ata, Buruburu, and Kasarani set to be hit hard by this directive.
The shutdown of these outlets could significantly disrupt Naivas’ operations, putting hundreds of employees at risk of losing their jobs.
Staff at branches in other parts of the country may also face uncertainty, particularly if the national government decides to extend the closure to all locations nationwide.
