Nairobi Small Scale Traders hold protest in the CBD over China Square

Small scale traders in Nairobi brought the city to a standstill when they held a protest match in the CBD over what they termed as Chinese invasion in the country

The traders drawn from Nyamakima, Gikomba, Dubois and Kamaukunji claimed that the Chinese had taken over their business.

 The angry traders put blame on China Square, a business run by a Chinese investor Lei Cheng along Thika road for “unhealthy” business competition.

Taking their grievances to the office of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the crowd demanded an audience with government officials to table their dissatisfaction with how the Chinese citizens have been allowed to do business in the country to the detriment of their own businesses.

 The protests come at a time when Trade CS Moses Kuria announced that he would buy off the Chinese retailer and have him open a manufacturing plant as opposed to a retail shop.

The move led to the closure of the shop Chinese square indefinitely

 Cheng maintains that his business model is friendly and affordable to Kenyans and as a result customers find his store convenient to their budget

The Chinese store has been running since January 29.