Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Industry, and Investments Moses Kuria recently stirred up controversy with his order on China Square. This Chinese-owned company conducts business at Kenyatta University's Unicity mall.

Kuria initially suggested purchasing China Square's lease and turning the building over to Kenyan merchants.

He added that we encourage Chinese investors to come to Kenya as producers rather than merchants.


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Since then, the trade CS's remarks have caused controversy, with some Kenyan officials accusing him of harbouring xenophobic prejudice against the investor.

"A racist undertone should not be present in our policy. It is clear that CS @HonMoses Kuria is incorrect in his attacks on Mr Lei Cheng of China Square. Kuria's catchphrase is "Kenya is open for business." Still, he is at odds with Cheng since Cheng has succeeded with his business approach (selling things for the lowest price)," said attorney Ahmednasir Abdullahi.

Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'oei, who disagreed with Kuria, said: "No lawful investment actor—irrespective of their nationality—should be anxious because the country's investment regime is non-arbitrary & non-discriminatory."

Kuria has now reacted to the worries by saying, "Kenya is open for business but Kenya is not open for dumping."


The action follows Trade CS's offer to help the owner of China Square establish a manufacturing facility in Kenya.

Kuria claimed the investor would work with neighbourhood merchants on a distribution plan instead of retailing.

Due to the standoff, China Square has stopped operating at Unicity to "provide a cooling off period" due to the impasse.