Naivas Under Fire as Nairobi County’s Closure Threat Sparks National Uproar

The storm brewing between Naivas Supermarket and the Nairobi County Health Committee has grabbed national attention — and lit up Kenyan social media with hot takes, memes, and plenty of outrage.

On Wednesday, May 14, the Health Committee, chaired by Makongeni MCA Maurice Ochieng, dropped a bombshell: a directive ordering the closure of all Naivas outlets in Nairobi. The reason? Allegations that the popular supermarket chain was selling expired goods, posing a serious risk to public health.

But Naivas didn’t take the accusations lying down.

In a swift and firm response, the supermarket chain dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading. Naivas emphasized its commitment to safety and quality, pointing to robust internal systems for inventory control and adherence to national standards set by agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Ministry of Health.

“All our stores remain fully operational and compliant,” Naivas said in a statement. The company didn’t hold back, calling the move by the county government an attempt at “extortionary tactics,” while reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy on bribery and corruption.

As expected, Kenyans took to social media, and things got loud.

Some accused the county government of targeting successful businesses to settle political or personal scores. Others joked that Naivas was simply the latest in a string of attacks on well-performing institutions, with one user quipping, “Sasa wameacha Super Metro, tena ni Naivas. Why do they always go for the best?”

While some users backed the committee’s right to investigate public health concerns, many questioned the timing, the evidence, and the seemingly dramatic approach. “Someone must be working overtime to get that bribe,” another user commented, echoing the skepticism shared by many.

Whether this unfolds into a larger legal or political showdown remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when a beloved national retailer clashes with local government, the public pays attention. And in the court of public opinion, Nairobi’s health watchdog may have a tough case to make.

By Yockshard Enyendi