Foreign PS defers with Moses Kuria as China Square debate rages on
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Korir Sing’oei, has openly deferred with Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Investment and Industry, Moses Kuria, on the ongoing debate over China Square.
The one-stop mall that was this week closed down in the wake of an uproar from local traders over their low-priced items.
Mr Kuria is on record for stating that Chinese investors are allowed in the country as manufacturers and not traders. Last week he called on the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square at Unicity Mall.
Also read: Chinese government responds to Moses Kuria on China Square
Dr Sing’oei on his part has said the country’s investment regime is non-arbitrary and non-discriminatory.
“No lawful investment actor- irrespective of their nationality- should be apprehensive because the country’s investment regime is non-arbitrary & non-discriminatory,” Dr Sing’oei tweeted.
Also read: Moses Kuria now backs Raila’s pre-election stand on imports
Additionally, Mr Kuria has stated that Kenya needs to do away with imports inferring from a stand Azimio la Umoja party leader Raila Odinga held during the last year’s campaigning period.
He said there is no special skill one needs to sell boxers and panties, Kenyans can do it hence fanning the China Square flames.
Mr Kuria has also blamed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i for issuing work permits to foreigners.
Also read: Government to raise taxes on cheaper imports amid China square row
However, the mall’s owner Lei Cheng in an interview with Nation recounted how he started off the business after visiting Kenyan supermarkets and noting the exorbitant prices of items.
He smelled a business opportunity, flew back home to China, and roped in some suppliers into the idea of setting up a base in Kenya.
The debate on China Square has sharply divided opinion among Kenyans on social media. Here is what Kenyans have been saying on Twitter:
🇰🇪 is a capital economy, we can’t close china square at the pretense of protecting local retailers, in other words Kenyans buy commodities at expensive prices, who should we protect more? I purchased a cabro brush at CS @ ksh. 400 which @ Gikomba is ksh. 950. Who’s fooling who? pic.twitter.com/gH7oZfHhfr
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) February 27, 2023
Let me help you on this China Square matter. Gov't brokers are mad that someone is doing booming business in Kenya without passing by their office to say good morning. Bear in mind the price of greetings has also been affected by climate change and the distance from the Equator.
— Gabriel Oguda (@gabrieloguda) February 27, 2023
China Square owner, Lei Cheng, claims that his inspiration to open to store came when he saw products he knew from his country being over priced in Kenya. In short, he is is being fought for lowering the cost of living.
— Dr. King'ori (Shaman) (@Dr_Kingori) February 26, 2023
Our policies should not have "a racist" undertone. CS @HonMoses_Kuria is obviously wrong in his onslaught against Mr. Lei Cheng of China Square. "Kenya is open for business" is Kuria's mantra, yet he is at war with Cheng for succeeding in his business model (selling cheapest). pic.twitter.com/2TYHinhiiO
— Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) February 26, 2023
Xenophobic attack on business people in this country.
You can't run a country in this manner. pic.twitter.com/J1F4M8TDIe
— Robert ALAI (@RobertAlai) February 25, 2023