Nairobi County Public Health Chief Officer Tom Nyakaba has dismissed claims that the county executive ordered the closure of Naivas Supermarket.

In an official statement issued to newsrooms on Wednesday, May 14, Nyakaba clarified: “The Nairobi County Executive wishes to clarify that it has not ordered the closure of Naivas Supermarket. Any decision to suspend or close food establishments must be guided strictly by law, technical standards, and due process.”

His remarks came in response to confusion caused by statements made during a press conference held by the Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee. The committee had claimed that the Naivas branch on Moi Avenue had been shut down due to alleged health violations.

However, the County Executive overruled the recommendation, allowing the supermarket to continue operating while documentation and compliance matters are reviewed administratively.

Nyakaba defended the move, emphasizing that public health enforcement must remain both professional and legally grounded.

“We take public health concerns seriously, but we must be equally committed to fairness and due process. Enforcement actions that are not grounded in clear evidence or legal standards risk undermining public trust and unnecessarily damaging livelihoods,” he stated.

He also reassured the public that the Department of Health wellness and Nutrition is working closely with food establishments across Nairobi to ensure health standards are met.

Operations at the Moi Avenue Naivas branch continued uninterrupted on Wednesday.