China Square Back In Business After Negotiations With Government

After a week of closure,  China Square, a retail market at Kenyatta University’s UniCity mall resumed its operations on Monday.
The shop opened its doors to customers, occasioned by a stalemate with the Kenyan authorities, led by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.

In a press release on Monday, the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce said the resumption of operations at China Square followed several engagements between the Kenya Government and the Chinese Community in Kenya to find an amicable solution to the stalemate.

“The Chamber looks 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. We appreciate the Kenya Government’s support in allowing the Chinese Community to do business and contribute to Kenya’s growth and development efforts through employment creation and contribution to Kenya’s tax revenue,” the chamber of commerce stated.

A spot-check has ascertained that China Square has, indeed, opened.

Inside, the aisles were significantly empty compared to the frenzied days leading to the store’s shock closure.

Several men of Chinese descent could also be seen manning the aisles, walking up and down the stairs.

“I’m happy that the store is back. I was very disappointed in the closure which I found unfair and totally unnecessary. I thank the Kenyan Government for allowing the store to continue with its operations as long as they are done within the law. A lot of shoppers were affected by the closure and we are now relieved, ” Martha Kamotho, a China Square shopper says.

Despite efforts, the management declined to give a comment.

The store was closed on February 26, with the management saying they wanted to “re-evaluate and replan our company strategy, in order to better serve our customers and meet their needs.”

The closure came after trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria launched an attack on China Square, saying that the foreign investors have set an unhealthy competition for small-scale traders in Kenya.