Nairobi Traders Protest Against China Square, March To Gachagua's Office [VIDEO]

The traders marched to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office to complain about what they termed as an invasion of Chinese retailers in the country.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 28, 2023 - 09:44 Updated: Feb 28, 2023 - 09:45
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Nairobi Traders Protest Against China Square, March To Gachagua's Office [VIDEO]
Nyamakima, Kamukunji traders protest outside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office on February 28, 2023. /FILE

Traders drawn from Nairobi's Dubois Street, Gikomba market and Nyamakima market staged protests on Tuesday, February 28 at the Central Business District (CBD)

The traders marched to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's office to complain about what they termed as an invasion of Chinese retailers in the country.

In a video seen by Viral Tea, the traders were seen carrying placards and blowing trumpets as well as whistles as they blocked Harambee Avenue just in front of the Deputy President's office while seeking an audience with the police.

A police vehicle was also spotted outside Gachagua's office at the scene of the protests, which come ahead of a meeting between them and DP Gachagua aimed at addressing the rising number of foreign traders in the country, especially Chinese and Pakistani nationals.

According to Importers and Small Traders Association organising secretary Anne Nyokabi, they want DP Gachagua to protect their businesses from what they termed unfair competition.

"We wanted to demonstrate against the government following serious infiltration of our business space by foreigners, especially from China and Pakistan," she said during a Monday, February 27 interview with Inooro TV.

"The word about intended protests reached Gachagua who sent emissaries to us with information that he desired that we meet and dialogue, giving March 1 as the date."

The traders are concerned that foreign nationals engaging in their businesses could push them out, citing market distortions created by the investors.

Meanwhile, woes piled up at China Square after authorities disclosed that it was under investigation. The store which was said to be a hub for products and businesses, selling everything from electronics to clothing, is being accused of rivalling business with a Kenyan company.

The firm has claimed ownership of the trade mark for the name "Finder", under which Finder-branded goods are sold at China Square.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority further revealed that it Seized goods worth Ksh50 million from the store for an audit amidst ongoing investigations.

ACA officers camped inside the mall for the better part of Monday, February 27 during its indefinite closure, carrying out audits of the products to ascertain the claims.

“We have done a search in the place and the investigation is still ongoing. We will be able to give a statement on that after we conclude our investigation,” ACA Regional Manager Ibrahim Bule told the media.

China Square's legal team stated that they are working together with the government and the Kenyan company to resolve the standoff, with Lawyer Josephine Oyombe noting that ACA officers visited the mall to check on the previously sealed goods.

China Square Mall. /FILE

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