The influx of Chinese nationals into local businesses has infuriated Kenyan small traders and importers.
The traders now say the unregulated entry of the foreigners into Nairobi retail scene has affected their businesses as they are unable to compete with them. The Chinese traders have allegedly been shipping in cheap products into Kenyan market, killing local businesses.
Kenya World Wide Importers and Traders Association (KWITA) chairman Ben Mutahi said more that 50,000 people employed directly in the sector risk losing their jobs and wants government to regulate the influx of foreigners.
“They [Chinese traders] are all over in Gikomba market and Biashara Street. It is very hard for us to compete with them,” Mutahi told the Business Daily.
He said it was unfair for local traders to be charged high taxes to import goods from China, while their Chinese counterparts bring them tax free.
"If the Chinese are here as investors, let them go and start factories, and leave retail business for Kenyans,” Mutahi said.
Contacted for a comment, Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo promised to address the traders woes. “The situation is being handled by the Immigration Department,” he said without offering further details.
In May, China became the largest exporter to Kenya, having shipped out goods worth Sh48 billion - the highest ever monthly import bill by a single nation.
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