China Square Announces Indefinite Closure of Mall, Cites 3 Reasons

Photo collage of China Square, a shopping hub inside UniCity Mall, which is owned by Kenyatta University.
Photo collage of China Square, a shopping hub inside UniCity Mall, owned by Kenyatta University and shoppers inside the mall on February 21, 2023.
Photo/Kenyatta University

China Square, a business hub located at Unicity Mall along Thika Road, announced an indefinite closure following a review of its business model.

In a statement dated Sunday, February 26, the management revealed that the decision was influenced by three key issues the business has faced since it opened on January 29, 2023. 

First, the management admitted that it was unable to handle the high volume of traffic flow of customers on a daily basis.

China Square proprietor, Lei Cheng poses for a photo inside his office on February 25, 2023.
China Square proprietor, Lei Cheng poses for a photo inside his office on February 25, 2023.
NTV

The notice affirmed that plans were in place to hire more security guards within the premises. 

Another bad shopping experience was caused by the shortage of tills leading to long queues from customers. 

The third hindrance was attributed to misleading statements and over-expectations by customers across social media. 

"Some of the statements on the internet have been misleading people, and some customers have overrated our services which have created unrealistic expectations. We need to close down and give a cooling down period," the statement read in part. 

China Square noted that they were committed to the satisfaction of their customers and hence would work on the issues in a bid to offer excellent and quality services.  

"We take the safety and satisfaction of our customers seriously and are committed to resolving these issues as quickly as possible. We will keep you updated on any developments.

"We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. We are committed to providing you with the best service possible, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon," the statement continued.

Over the past few weeks, the mall had disrupted the market with the majority shifting allegiance towards Chinese-based trade. 

Lei Cheng, China Square proprietor, recently revealed that he made his first Ksh20 million in his first two weeks. He noted that on a low business day, his sales would amount to Ksh10 million.

The success of the business, according to Cheng, was attributed to genius market pricing, chance social media marketing and referral clients.

The mall, however, rattled Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria who revealed his intentions of locking out Chinese traders from the business. 

Kuria advocated for Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina, to purchase all spaces from the mall traders and reserve them for local traders.

He noted that the move would inhibit the entry of Chinese traders to take up opportunities that would have otherwise been left for Kenyans. The CS further insisted that the doors were open for Chinese manufacturers and not traders. 

The CS offered a lifeline to Cheng, noting that he would assist him in setting up a manufacturing plant in Kenya.

“I will assist China Square Owner Mr. Cheng to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya and work on a distribution partnership with Gikomba, Nyamakima, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Muthurwa and River Road Traders,” he stated.

Trade CS Moses Kuria addresses mourners during his sister, Pauline Nyokabi Kuria's burial on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Trade CS Moses Kuria addresses mourners during his sister, Pauline Nyokabi Kuria's burial on Monday, January 23, 2023.
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Moses Kuria