China Square Business centre , Nairobi

Traders in downtown areas of Nyamakima and Kamukunji took to the streets today to protest against the now-popular China Square establishment.

The traders are decrying that the new China Square establishment is throwing them out of business.

China Square recently (January 29th, 2023) opened shop at Uni City mall, Thika road, next to Kenyatta University. The mall was what many would like to refer to as a “ghost mall” owing to a lack of adequate tenancy occupancy and foot traffic as well.

No sooner had China Square opened business than the mall became a hive and finding parking became an issue as Kenyans flocked the premises in dozens, some to window shop out of curiosity and others out to shop for household items, which the trader sold at quiet competitive prices compared to local market rates.

CS Trade Moses Kuria was the first senior government official to communicate his displeasure with China Square, saying it’s such businesses that are killing local manufacturers.

“I have given an offer to Prof Wainaina the VC Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall and hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa l and Eastleigh Traders Association,” he stated.

Indefinite Closure

In a statement dated Sunday, February 26, China Square management announced an indefinite closure and did not give a timeline on when they would resume operations.

Anti-Counterfeit Agency Seizes Goods Worth Ksh50 Million at China Square

The controversy surrounding China Square continued to unravel after officials drawn from the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) seized goods worth Ksh50 million from the premises to investigate infringement claims on intellectual property.

This is after a Kenyan-based company claimed intellectual property on the name “finder”, while china square sold goods branded with the name.

“We conducted a search in the place and investigations are still ongoing. They are quite merchandised products of different brands. We will be able to give a statement after we conclude our investigations,” Ibrahim Bule, ACA regional manager,  stated.