China Square, a shopping hub located inside UniCity built by Kenyatta University, sparked debate on various social media platforms.
The hub, whose owner was not immediately established, went viral on social media platforms attracting over 5,000 Twitter engagements and over 50,000 views on Tiktok on Tuesday, February 21.
China Square stood out for setting up a multi-purpose shopping hub which social media users argued was rivaling Eastleigh, Kamukunji and Dubois Road in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) for offering different services and products, all at a one-stop shop.
According to various shoppers, the new hub had stocked a wide range of products and services including stationery, furniture, home decoration items, cleaning supplies, hardware store, electrical appliances, party supplies and more.
The one-stop shopping hub also sparked mixed reactions, with prospective customers claiming the products were affordable.
"On TikTok Kenya when you just go to 'For You Page', you won't miss videos on China Square," Egline Samoei wrote on Twitter.
Others noted that the hub was set to rival other renowned shopping centers, including Gikomba and Business Bay Square (BBS) mall, set to be opened in Eastleigh due to its location and security features.
"Just as I was readying for the Business Bay Square (BBS), Eastleigh Mall, boom, China Square is popping out. Will Gikomba survive this? How will the CBD shops or other small shops sustain it?" another user questioned.
"Over the weekend, China Square was fully packed. This led to long service lines and reduced parking," another social media user indicated.
However, others noted that China Square was key to reviving UniCity mall, owned by Kenyatta University, which was struggling to recover from the effects of economic downtime.
Economists opined that UniCity had started booming due to real estate investments near the area, including the setting up of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
Northland City development also reportedly contributed to the boom of UniCity and China Square.
UniCity was unveiled by the former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i in 2016. While opening the facility, Matiang'i noted that it was key to giving Kenyatta University a third revenue stream besides funding from the government and fees paid by students.
It was touted to help KU clear the ballooning debt and help the institution in offering market-relevant skills in business.
During the unveiling ceremony, KU indicated that UniCity featured a hypermarket, retail shops, banks/ATMs, and a National Oil fuel station.
"The opening of the UniCity facilities is a realisation of a dream that began seven years ago. This was informed by a need to supplement the university's resources by adopting an entrepreneurial approach in utilisation of resources. Coupled with an innovative zeal, the objective was to augment funding to cater for core areas of teaching and research," former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda insisted.
While urging investors to the UniCity Mall, KU noted it was close to Thika Super Highway and a railway line.
