Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on Tuesday, April 18 moved to Parliament to probe the reopening of China Square following the controversy regarding its closure
In a petition to Parliament, the lawmaker sought five issues to be probed including calling for fresh investigations into the reopening of the mall located along Thika Road.
Additionally, he called for the Anti-Counterfeit Authority of Kenya to table a report on the goods worth Ksh50 million that were alleged to have been counterfeit. The agency had determined that the goods were legit on March 2 with the goods returned to the owner.
"We should be provided with information supporting that China Square complied with all the government requirements for foreigners to open and operate businesses in Kenya.
"Provide proof of tax compliance by China Square in its operations including the tax on the import and retail of commodities," read the statement in part.
On the other hand, Cherargei called for the Senate to compel the Ministry of Trade - which is led by Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria - to highlight measures it had put in place in bridging the differences between China Square and local traders.
The Senator pinpointed the uproar of local traders over the opening of the mall.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi directed that the matter be handled by the Standing Committee on Trade, Industrialization and Tourism and a report tabled in Parliament.
Cherargei's move came a day after over 100 traders moved to court seeking to have the mall closed.
In the petition filed before the High Court, the traders also indicated that they were seeking to have the government barred from issuing business operation licences to foreigners who were investing in businesses predominantly run by local traders.
"We pray that the court will temporarily restrain the Director Kenya Citizens and Foreign Nationals Management Services from issuing Class D and G permits to foreign nationals, pending the determination of the petition," read the statement in part.
The opening of the mall situated in Kenyatta University's Unicity Mall caused an uproar among local traders who held protests outside the office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
It was alleged that the mall that was offering goods at cheaper prices was hampering local businesses.
