Zhu tells of his unending love for Kenya despite high taxes and hostility from a few residents

By MERCY KAHENDA

KENYA: While a number of Kenyans leave the country in search of greener pastures, foreigners are finding opportunities here.

More so Chinese citizens, who come to establish businesses and other projects. There are approximately 300 Chinese citizens in Nakuru County who sell motorcycles and operate restaurants to earn a living.

David Zhu manages Haojue Motorcycle Company and has been operating the business for the past five years.

The company sells new Haojue motorbikes at between Sh70,000 and Sh96,000, depending on design and size.

Motorcycle spare parts are also sold at a fair price. Despite being a foreigner, he has employed many locals who assist him in marketing his products, selling and maintaining the company.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  State officials give governors sleepless nights
• 
  Atwoli, Fazul fight over guards' union dues
• 
  MPs reject nomination of Charles Githinji as consul general for Goma
• 
  Case lifts the lid on sex slavery in 'massage parlours' in the country

“I have 15 employees, among them three Chinese. I like working with locals because they are familiar with the language and environment,” admits Zhu.

However, he notes that increase in duty charged on imported products by the government has had a huge impact on his business since most of his products are imported from China.

High taxation

“The country does not manufacture motorcycles and most products. We are therefore forced to import them from China which makes it expensive running the business due to high taxation,” says Zhu.

He also notes that the living standards of the country are high compared to other countries due to the ever-fluctuating value of the Kenyan currency.

“The exchange rate of Kenyan money is not stable and that affects most foreigners operating businesses in the country. For instance, you import a product from China and reaching here, the currency exchange rate may be too low compared to the buying price. That results into loss,” he says.

Zhu also insists that the safety of the business community is wanting as robbers break into premises and steal products.

He claims his colleagues were attacked, robbed and killed by gangsters in Nairobi.

“When locals see foreigners in the country, they think they have a lot of money and they keep on following us to rob us. Locals also increase prices of products mostly to foreigners,” he observes.

Criminals

He recalls criminals broke into his business last year and looted property worthy Sh6 million, including spare parts for motorcycles and other products. However, the police arrested the suspects. After the two incidents, he reveals he does not go out at night because he is a foreigner.

“I used to go partying in the town with friends but since my friends were robbed in Nairobi three months ago and my business broken into, I am scared to move at night,” he said.

The transport sector being competitive with different models of motorcycle is another challenge for his business. 

“The market is full of new products invented every time making it difficult to maintain clients and convince customers,” he adds.

He spends his free time mingling with locals, visiting places and attending celebrations.

He also loves Kenyan dishes including ugali, chips, nyama choma (roasted meat), chicken and githeri.