Several Nairobi small-scale traders on Tuesday held protests in the Central Business District against China Square.
The traders from Gikomba, Nyamakima and CBD held demonstrations from downtown up to Harambee Annexe which houses the office of the Deputy President.
Some of the traders had decried that the shopping centre be closed as it was slowing down business operations.
Last week, DP Gachagua hosted representatives of small traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road for discussions on addressing challenges in their businesses.
He vowed to find a solution to issues affecting small-scale traders in the Central Business District.
“We have agreed to have further consultations with more members on Wednesday next week towards sustainable solutions to the issues affecting these small-scale traders, who are on the lower side of the pyramid-real hustlers,” Gachagua said.
More meetings will be held for the government to address their plights.
The DP also planned another meeting for March 1,( tomorrow) for the same representatives.
The meeting will be attended by other top government and state agency officials.
In the past few days, China Square has taken shoppers by storm attracting criticism from local traders.
The square has the most affordable items, according to Kenyans on social media; all you could want at cheaper prices.
Trade CS Moses Kuria revealed that he engaged Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina on China Square, located at Unicity mall Thika road.
Kuria in a statement on Friday made it clear that as much as the country welcomes Chinese investors, they were here as manufacturers, not traders.
During his talks with Wainaina, Kuria advised him to buy the Square and hand it over to local traders.
"I have today 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 and Eastleigh Traders Association," he said.
Buyers had rushed to the new outlet as it had less costly prices compared to those of Kenyan traders.
CS Kuria also said both countries must trade within a framework that will ensure a win-win situation.
However, on Sunday, China Square announced that the shop will remain closed indefinitely to allow time to sort out several issues.
In a notice on its official Facebook page on Sunday, the retailer said the provision of sufficient security is among the issues to be addressed during the closure period.
