Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to meet with representatives of small-scale traders amidst the China square row.
This will be the second meeting with the first one having taken place exactly a week ago at the DP’s office.
Gachagua hosted representatives of small traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road for discussions on addressing challenges in their businesses.
He said that top government and state agency officials will also be in attendance.
The meeting follows protests by Nairobi traders on Tuesday who claimed that the retail shop has adversely affected their businesses.
The local small-scale traders in downtown CBD staged a peaceful demonstration to express their grievances following the establishment of the China Square retail shop along Thika Road.
They marched to the Office of the Deputy President where they intended to submit a petition alleging that the establishment is a thorn in their businesses.
The traders are advocating for government policies that limit foreign investment in the country to manufacturing and the value chain.
This won’t be the first time traders are raising concerns about the Chinese business community.
In 2020, traders lamented over the same issue.
Although they have consistently decried unfair competition from foreign investors, the State has dragged its feet in enacting stronger legislation and reinforcing existing laws for their protection.
As of 2017 and according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the trade deficit between Kenya and China stood at Sh390 billion.
