China Square

China Square is a business hub located at Unicity Mall along Thika Road.[1] The mall became popular in Kenya for selling electronics, clothing, and different household items at lower costs than local stores.[2]

Controversial closure

After only one month of operating in Kenya, rival traders started complaining about prices and Kenya's Trade Minister, Moses Kuria, reinstated that Chinese investors would be supported as manufacturers not traders.[3] The Kenyan Trade Minister announced plans to lease the site to the competing small traders and support China Square owners in setting up a manufacturing plant in Kenya in order to work with distribution partnerships with traders in Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Muthurwa, River Road Traders, Gikomba, and Nyamakima.[4]

On February 26, 2023, China Square announced it will be closely indefinitely.[5] The company initially cited public safety issues due to the high volume of traffic, shortage of tills and not being able to meet customer expectations.[6] Before closing, the mall reportedly sold Sh10 million ($78,678) worth of goods daily.[2]

The Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC) criticized Trade Cabinet Secretary for proposing buying China Square's lease and evicting its owner without consultation, and violating Kenya's policy on having an unbiased environment for trade and investments.[7]

References
  1. pm, Brian Kimani on 26 February 2023-4:10. "China Square Announces Indefinite Closure of Mall, Cites 3 Reasons". Kenyans.co.ke. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  2. Robi, Amos (2023-02-25). "China Square owner reacts to CS Kuria's move to push him out off KU mall". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  3. "Chinese-owned store shuts doors in Kenya after rivals complain about prices". South China Morning Post. 2023-02-27. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  4. "How chance visit to 'overpriced' Kenyan supermarkets birthed China Square". Nation. 2023-02-26. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  5. GROUP, NTV KENYA-NATION MEDIA. "NTV Kenya: China Square to remain closed 'until further notice'". NTV Kenya. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  6. "China Square closes down indefinitely". The Star. Retrieved 2023-02-27.
  7. Tonny, Oliver (2023-02-27). "Kenya China Chamber of Commerce criticizes Moses Kuria's remarks on China Square". KenyanStory. Retrieved 2023-02-27.

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