CS Kuria: I'll assist China Square owner set up manufacturing plant

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now says that he will assist China Square owner Mr. Cheng Lei to start a manufacturing plant in Kenya.

While acknowledging that the government is keen to find a win-win solution for the impasse, CS Kuria said Mr Cheng will then narrow down his business activities to distributing his products to local traders.

"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," CS Kuria said, adding that "we need nothing short of a win win solution."

Kuria gave Kenya University - owner of UniCity Mall where China Square is located - a counteroffer to buy off the lease for Chinese store and hand it over to Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa and Eastleigh traders.

“I've today given an offer to Prof. Wainaina the VC Kenyatta Uni to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall & hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa & Eastleigh Traders Association. We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya as manufacturers, not traders,” he said.

China Square closes

Mr Cheng announced that he will be closing the the store temporarily on Sunday, February 26 to "re-evaluate and re-plan our company strategy, in order to better serve our customers and meet their needs."

"We are also considering the possibility of cooperating with local traders to enhance our offerings and better integrate with the community," Mr Cheng's statement read in part.

The statement added: “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that you will understand our need to take this action. Our commitment to providing you with the highest level of service remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to reopening on Monday, 27th February 2023 with a renewed focus on meeting your expectations.”