Moses Kuria Makes New Offer To China Square After Controversy

His remarks were a response to the controversy generated after...

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 26, 2023 - 10:49 Updated: Feb 26, 2023 - 10:50
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Moses Kuria Makes New Offer To China Square After Controversy
A collage of Moses Kuria and China Square. /FILE

Trade and Industrialization Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Saturday, February 25 gave the owner of China Square a lifeline for operating in Kenya after his earlier intent to close its operations along Thika Road.

In a statement, Kuria revealed that he would assist the owner, Lei Cheng, to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya.

“I will assist China Square Owner Mr Cheng to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya and work on a distribution partnership with Gikomba, Nyamakima, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Muthurwa and River Road Traders,” Kuria said.

Entrance to China Square mall. /FILE

His remarks were a response to the controversy generated after he 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.

The move, he added, would prohibit the entry of Chinese traders to take up opportunities that would have otherwise been done by Kenyans.

However, the CS insisted that the doors were open for Chinese manufacturers and not traders in a bid for the government to collaborate with foreign powers in matters to do with trade.

Kuria's remarks notably attracted comments across the divide, with lawyer Miguna Miguna recommending that the ban on China Square in Kenya ought to be extended to businesses owned by other foreign investors as well, including banks.

“If we close down China Square and chase away the owner who gave poor Kenyans alternative competitive options to consumer goods, will we be genuine and extend the ban to white-owned enterprises in Naivasha, Nanyuki, Malindi and the foreign-owned ban?” Miguna wrote.

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