Chinese Investors Issue Demands to Kenyan Govt Over Moses Kuria's Remarks

Members of the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) at a past event in September 2022.
Members of the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) at a past event in September 2022.
Photo
KCCC

Chinese investors on Sunday, February 26, called for the Kenyan government to guarantee a conducive business environment following the indefinite closure of China Square. 

In a statement issued by the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC), the investors referenced to Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria's remarks which sought to kick out the China Square owner out of business.

The Chamber noted that the remarks were made without any consultations from all parties involved. KCCC noted that the remarks contravened Kenya's policy of enabling an equitable and non-bias environment for trade and investments.

A photo collage of showing the front facade of the China Sqaure Mall along Thika Road (left) and a photo of Trade CS Moses Kuria addressing a past conference.
A photo collage showing the front facade of the China Square Mall along Thika Road (left) and a photo of Trade CS Moses Kuria addressing a past conference.
Moses Kuria

“We feel discriminated and don’t sit well with the remarks of the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry to Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor to buy out the lease for China Square at the Unicity Mall.

"This was uttered without any further consultations from all parties involved and not considering the repercussions of such statements which are contrary to Kenya’s investment promotion and protection regime that has always been equitable, non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory," the statement read in part. 

The Chinese investors argued that their role in employment creation and contribution to the Kenyan economy is aligned with th Kenya Kwanza manifesto which seeks to lower the cost of living in the country.

“We are therefore requesting the Government of Kenya for a healthy environment to enable us to do business and trade in peace and contribute to Kenya’s growth and development through employment creation and contribution to Kenya’s tax revenue. 

"The Chinese Nationals are open to working and collaborating with Kenyan traders to lower the cost of living for Kenyans. Our goal is not to compete but rather, to develop our economies,”  the statement read in part.

The statement came amid the controversy surrounding China Square, which had disrupted the market since its launch with the majority shifting allegiance towards Chinese-based trade. 

Despite its continuous success, China Square management announced an indefinite closure following a review of its business model.

China Square attributed the decision to three key issues; public safety issues, shortage of tills and misleading statements and over-expectations by customers across social media. 

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