Chinese shop in Kenya a ‘middle-class conspiracy’

Kenya’s Trade Minister Moses Kuria has said that a Chinese-run retail business in the capital, Nairobi, “is a middle-class conspiracy”.

He told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday that the China Square shop does not benefit low-income earners who are the majority contributors to the economy.

Mr Kuria said he had no intention to frustrate investors from China but was preventing “the country from becoming the dumping ground for sub-standard goods”.

China Square resumed operations on 6 March after it closed its doors for two weeks amid inspections by Kenya’s Anti-Counterfeit Authority.

“I cannot frustrate investors but some people are dumping [fake products] on us,” said Mr Kuria.

He added that plans were underway to establish a “Kenya Square”, which would rival the Chinese business accused of undercutting prices that have affected small traders.