Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Wednesday, March 8, stated that the reopening of China square was a move that allowed unhealthy competition to local businesses in the country.
While appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Kuria stated that China Square served only the middle class in the country.
The CS detailed that many who shopped at the business hub were individuals who owned cars explaining that there was no bus stop close to the hub.
“This China Square. Is there a matatu stage there? So who is shopping at China Square? These are people driving; the middle class of this country.
“That middle-class man who is shopping there has paid fees for his children, but that real hustler of Dandora struggling to sell fish does not know where the next meal is going to come from,” Kuria stated.
The CS reiterated that his responsibility was to protect the rights of local traders lamenting that Kenya had been turned into a dumping ground for products.
According to Kuria, Gikomba and Kamukunji traders served the needy in the society adding that it was his duty to defend their rights in the country.
"Hustlers are not on Twitter or TikTok, they cannot be quoted on TV, while some of the middle-class men in this country make noise online.
"This is not helpful to our country. I have a duty to speak for the Gikomba and Kamukunji businessman who has no voice on Twitter," the CS added.
On Monday, March 6, China Square resumed operations following an agreement between the Kenyan Government and Chinese traders.
While making the announcement, Chinese traders through the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) stated that they expected equal and fair treatment across all their businesses to allow them a conducive environment for operation.
"We look forward to equal and fair treatment of all businesses across the board to ensure a conducive business environment for all and promote cordial relations based on mutual trust and benefit," the statement by KCCC read in part.
China square was closed indefinitely on February 26, following remarks by Kuria that he intended to lock out Chinese traders from the UniCity Mall because they would take up opportunities that had been left for Kenyans.
Moreover, China Square proprietor Lei Chang had earlier revealed that he made his first Ksh20 million in his first two weeks adding that on a low business day, his sales amounted to Ksh10 million.
