By Mwibanda | Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 6:24 PM
President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Adviser, Moses Kuria, has strongly condemned the Nairobi County Government’s decision to shut down Naivas Supermarket outlets over alleged health violations, warning that the move could severely impact investor confidence and job creation in Kenya.
In a statement released on Wednesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kuria termed the action by the Nairobi County Health Committee as reckless and damaging to the country’s economic outlook. He warned that targeting major retailers like Naivas and Carrefour—both key players in Kenya’s retail sector—could send the wrong signal to both local and international investors.
“We will not create jobs when county governments wake up and close Naivas and Carrefour arbitrarily. You don’t attract investors by acting whimsical,” Kuria stated.
Health Concerns Spark Controversy
The controversy began after the Nairobi Health Committee, led by Makongeni MCA Maurice Ochieng, conducted an impromptu inspection at the Naivas Moi Avenue branch. According to Ochieng, the team found expired products on the shelves, including yogurt, and noted that some items lacked proper expiry labels. Additionally, he claimed that several staff members were not certified to handle food products.
“We are here at Naivas Moi Avenue, and we have realised that there are expired products on the shelf, putting Nairobians at risk,” Ochieng said during a press briefing.
Following the inspection, the committee ordered the temporary closure of the outlet and hinted at broader scrutiny of other retail stores, including Carrefour.
Naivas Pushes Back
In a swift response, Naivas Supermarket denied the claims, calling them “false, misleading, and potentially harmful.” The retail giant emphasized that none of its branches had been closed and insisted that all its products met health and safety standards.
“We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that no expired products have been found on our shelves,” Naivas said in an official statement.
The company, which operates over 30 branches within Nairobi—including in Kilimani, Lavington, Westlands, Lang’ata, Buruburu, and Kasarani—expressed concern that such allegations could damage its brand reputation and consumer trust.
Economic and Social Implications
Retail is one of Kenya’s most vibrant sectors, employing thousands and contributing significantly to urban livelihoods and the national GDP. Analysts warn that actions perceived as heavy-handed or politically motivated could destabilize the industry and deter future investments.
Kuria, a vocal proponent of pro-business policies, underscored the broader implications of the county’s actions. He urged county governments to exercise responsibility and prioritize long-term economic stability over short-term enforcement theatrics.
“You don’t grow the economy by punishing success. These are businesses that employ thousands and keep the wheels of commerce turning,” Kuria said.
Public Reaction
The incident has ignited mixed reactions among Kenyans online. While some applauded the county for cracking down on alleged health violations, others accused it of grandstanding and unfairly targeting successful businesses.
As the standoff unfolds, attention now shifts to how both Nairobi County and the affected retailers will resolve the issue—and what precedents will be set for future government-corporate engagements.
