Small traders took to the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, to protest against what they termed as takeover of local markets by foreigners.
The traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji and other from several trading centres in the city staged demonstrations in the CBD claiming Chinese-owned store, China Square, is driving small traders out of business.
China Square, situated in Kenyatta University’s UniCity Mall, is a one-stop shopping hub that has grown popular in recent weeks for selling goods at pocket-friendly prices.
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The traders marched to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Harambee Annex Office to seek an audience with the country's second in command over the matter.
Kamukunji and Nyamakima traders are having a peaceful demonstration against the Chinese.
Trade CS Moses Kuria should tell us how China Square are selling the same products as our traders at a cheaper price mind you they don't manufacture what they sell. Stop exploiting Kenyans. pic.twitter.com/uZDG45hR4P— Ni Wainaina (@NiWainaina_) February 28, 2023
Earlier, Trade, Investment and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria stated that the retailer should cease operations in the Kenyan market.
Kuria noted that Chinese investors are not welcome to trade in Kenya.
"We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya but as manufacturers, not traders," he stated.
However, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korirk Sin'Oei differed with the CS, saying no lawful investor should be blocked from investigating in Kenya.
“No lawful investment actor- irrespective of their nationality- should be apprehensive because the country's investment regime is non-arbitrary & non-discriminatory,” the PS said in a tweet.
Director-General of African Affairs in the Chinese Foreign Ministry, WuPeng, weighed in on the debate yesterday, indicating that Kenya should create a nondiscriminatory environment for foreign traders.
In a tweet shared, Peng opined that a nonarbitary and non disciminatory environment was vital for development adding that collective efforts between China and Kenya would benefit the citizens.
"I welcome the statement by @SingoeiAKorir. A nonarbitrary & non discriminatory investment environment is vital to the healthy development of bilateral practical cooperation. I believe that through collective efforts, #China-#Kenya cooperation will better benefit both peoples," he wrote.
