Chinese investors have warned President William Ruto that if his government continues to discriminate against them, serious consequences will follow.
This is in response to Trade and Investment CS Moses Kuria’s diatribe against Chinese traders, in which he ordered them to be kicked out of UniCity Mall, where they operate the China Square store, which offers goods at the lowest prices in town and has been closed indefinitely as a result of Kuria’s remarks.
Following the indefinite closure of China Square, Chinese investors demanded that the Kenyan government ensure a conducive business environment in a statement issued by the Kenya China Chamber of Commerce (KCCC).
Kuria’s remarks, according to the Chamber, were made without consultation with all parties involved. The remarks, according to the KCCC, violated Kenya’s policy of fostering an equitable and non-biased environment for trade and investment.
“We feel discriminated, and the remarks of the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry to Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor to buy out the lease for China Square at the Unicity Mall do not sit well with us.”
“This was uttered without any further consultations from all parties involved and without considering the ramifications of such statements, which are contrary to Kenya’s investment promotion and protection regime, which has always been equitable, non-arbitrary, and non-discriminatory,” according to the statement.
The Chinese investors argued that their role in job creation and contribution to the Kenyan economy is consistent with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which aims to reduce the country’s cost of living.
“As a result, we are requesting the Government of Kenya for a healthy environment that will allow us to do business and trade in peace while also contributing to Kenya’s growth and development through job creation and tax revenue.”
“The Chinese Nationals are open to working and collaborating with Kenyan traders to lower the cost of living for Kenyans. “Our goal is not to compete, but to develop our economies,” said the statement in part.
