Hustlers Are Not On TikTok, Twitter- CS Kuria On China Square Reopening

Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Wednesday, March 8, poked a number of holes again in China Square which reopened on Monday, March 6.

While appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Kuria listed one major loophole affecting the store; the fact that only the middle-class drive to the shopping facility.

While affirming that the country-famous store served only Kenya's middle class, Kuria complained about the lack of bus stops close to the hub, a matter which was locking out the ordinary mwananchi.

“This China Square. Is there a matatu stage there? So who is shopping at China Square? These are people driving; the middle class of this country. 

“That middle-class man who is shopping there has paid fees for his children, but that real hustler of Dandora struggling to sell fish does not know where the next meal is going to come from this is a middle-class conspiracy,” Kuria stated.

The CS reiterated his responsibility to protect the rights of local traders, lamenting that the country had been turned into a dumping ground for cheap goods.

Kuria noted that markets such as Gikomba and Kamukunji served the needy in society and their rights should be defended, adding that they are not as prevalent on social media as their counterparts in the middle class.

"Hustlers are not on Twitter or TikTok, they can not be quoted on TV, and some of the middle-class men in this country make noise online.

"This is not helpful to our country. I have a duty to speak for the Gikomba and Kamukunji businessman who has no voice on Twitter," the CS added.

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.

"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.