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Shoppers applaud re-opening of China Square

Monday, March 6th, 2023 20:30 | By
Shoppers at the reopened China Square store along Thika Road. PHOTO/Oliver Musembi

The re-opening of China Square store in Kenyatta University was applauded by buyers who thronged the premises to do their shopping on Monday, March 6, 2023.

Hundreds of customers jammed the Uni-City Mall where the store is located as it opened its doors to the public a week after its closure following a stand-off with local traders and Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over its pricing.

Shoppers at the reopened China Square store along Thika Road. PHOTO/Oliver Musembi

The store reopened after an engagement between the government and the Chinese community in Kenya.

The parking space within the China Square precincts had filled up in the evening and motorists going into the store had to park along the Thika Superhighway.

Peris Mukami, a shopper, while welcoming the resumption of service said the store was conveniently located and offers good prices for most of its goods.

"For those of us living along Thika Road and other areas in the vicinity, this is a big relief as we don't have to travel to Nairobi to get household items at the fair prices being offered here," Mukami said.

She added that the government should encourage fair competition which enables consumers to get value for their money, rather than scare away foreign traders.

Another customer Johanna Kariuki asked CS Kuria to stop meddling with foreign investors whom he said should be accorded fair competition so long as they operate within the law.

Kuria claimed last week that low prices at China Square were driving small traders out of business and suggested that the retailer should cease operations in the Kenyan market.

The CS said Chinese investors are welcome to Kenya as manufacturers and not traders.

"We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya but as manufacturers, not traders," Kuria stated.

Earlier, the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomed the decision to reopen the store, saying it looks forward to equal and fair treatment of all businesses across the board to ensure a conducive business environment for all entrepreneurs in the country.

"The Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce welcomes the good news on the resumption of operations of China Square following several engagements between the Kenya Government and the Chinese Community in Kenya to find an amicable solution to the stalemate," Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

"The Chamber looks forward to an equal and fair treatment of all businesses across 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."

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