The controversy surrounding the China Square shopping centre in Nairobi has received attention from the Chinese government, which has weighed in on the allegations that the retail outlet is running Kenyan traders out of business.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy in Kenya reiterated its support for deepening trade relations between China and Kenya while calling for the protection of the rights and interests of Chinese traders in the country.
The embassy noted that Chinese enterprises and citizens should conduct business in accordance with Kenyan laws and regulations while expressing hope that the Kenyan government would create an inclusive and friendly business environment that promotes practical cooperation between the two countries.
“The Embassy has taken note of the recent situation on the issue of “China Square”, and would like to reiterate that the Embassy supports deepening trade and investment cooperation between China and Kenya, and supports Chinese enterprises and Chinese citizens in conducting business in accordance with Kenyan laws and regulations,” said the Chinese Embassy.
On Tuesday, small-scale traders held protests in the Nairobi CBD accusing the business owned by Chinese investor Lei Cheng of setting an unhealthy competition for them. The traders claimed that Chinese traders were taking over their businesses and leaving them with no means of making a living.
The government responded to the situation by convening a meeting between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Nairobi traders, and various Cabinet Secretaries and Trade Principal Secretaries. The meeting, which took place at Harambee House Annex, was attended by Kithure Kindiki, Alfred Mutua, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, and Julius Korir.
During the meeting, the Deputy President assured the traders of the government’s readiness to address unfriendly policies threatening their businesses.
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He stated that his office was always open for engagement with business owners and other Kenyans and requested that the traders allow the government to exhaustively investigate the issues and provide comprehensive feedback within the next three weeks.
