China Square Reopens After 7 Days Of Indefinite Closure
KCCC further expressed that it anticipates fair and equal treatment of all businesses to ensure...
Marvin Chege 
China Square, a popular shopping destination located at Unicity Mall along Thika Road, has reopened its doors after the Kenya government reached an agreement with Chinese traders in the country.
The Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) in a statement on Monday, March 6 welcomed the move by the government to end the stalemate between it and the Chinese community in the country, allowing it to resume operations.
KCCC further expressed that it anticipates fair and equal treatment of all businesses to ensure a good business environment for everyone.
Collage of China Square proprietor Lei Cheng and inside the store. /DAILY NATION
"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.
"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," the statement read in part.
KCCC further appreciated 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 will continue to foster collaboration between our two countries in promoting Investments, Trade and Tourism between Kenya and China," it added.
The reopening comes a little more than seven days since the shopping premises announced an indefinite closure of the facility.
In a statement dated Sunday, February 26, China Square Limited identified four key issues; public safety issues, shortage of tills, misleading statements and overrating by customers on the internet, which culminated in its closure until further notice.
Regarding public safety issues, the company indicated that it was unable to handle the high volume of traffic, which has raised a number of concerns for the public safety of all its customers.
“As a result, more security guards are being arranged on-site to ensure the safety of customers,” the company stated.
Also cited was the shortage of tills which has been leading to long queues and bad shopping experiences for customers. However, the company assured customers that it is doing its best to resolve these issues within the period it was closing its operations.
Furthermore, the company expressed concerns over misleading statements and overrating by customers on the internet.
“Some of the statements on the internet have been misleading people, and some customers have overrated our services which has created unrealistic expectations. We need to close down and give a cooling down period,” the company added.
The mall, located next to Kenyatta University was said to be a hub for products and businesses, selling everything from electronics to clothing. China Square gained attention for creating a versatile shopping centre that some social media users claimed was challenging the dominance of Eastleigh, Kamukunji, and Dubois Road in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
The Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa, and Eastleigh Traders Associations, which Kuria mentioned in his tweet, are well-known organizations that represent traders in Nairobi's bustling markets. These markets are often seen as the lifeblood of Kenya's economy, providing affordable goods and services to millions of people as well as supporting livelihoods.
The Thika Road-based mall was a hive of activities as Kenyans flocked to its premises after the online buzz sparked across social media platforms. The online hype generated around the mall led to long queues which characterised the experience for the customers as Kenyans from different parts visited the mall, described as a one-stop shop for several products.
Products available in the mall, according to the experiences shared, include stationery, furniture, home decoration items, cleaning supplies, hardware store and electrical appliances.
The hype however upset Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria who hinted at plans to lease the space to local traders. He particularly demanded, in an offer directed towards Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina, that the university in which the mall is hosted, buys out all spaces from the mall traders and reserves them for local traders.
Kuria, later on, changed his mind and revealed that he would assist the owner, Lei Cheng, to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya.
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