Nairobi’s small traders feel pinch of Chinese retailers

Small scale traders in Nairobi CBD. [Photo/Courtesy]

Small traders in Nairobi say they risk being pushed out of business by Chinese nationals operating wholesale and retail shops in downtown areas.

The businessmen said despite protests about the influx of foreigners operating at the micro level, authorities have made no efforts to look into the matter, with the competition growing by the day.

Speaking at a forum on illicit goods held in Nairobi yesterday, Ann Nyokabi, chairperson of the Nyamakima Business Community, said: “Three days ago, there was a Chinese national who was arrested somewhere around Kasarani roasting maize and we feel that as much as we try, we do not get the support from Government.”

The traders from the Asian country have the advantage of understanding China, which is the source of many goods commonly traded in Nairobi, putting them in a position to sell the imports at much lower prices than their Kenyan counterparts.

Raised concerns

“The issue of Chinese traders in Kenya needs to be dealt with because they are becoming many at a fast rate. If it is not handled now, in the next five years, we might have a ratio of one Chinese trader for every two Kenyan ones… it is that bad,” said Ms Nyokabi.

Concerns that the foreigners are engaging in work that can be undertaken by Kenyans, some of which is menial, have been raised before.

In May, the Government embarked on an effort to flush out foreign nationals working in the country illegally, including a requirement by the Ministry of Interior for expatriates to register afresh with the Immigration department.

According to the department, there are 34,000 foreigners that have permits to work in Kenya. There are, however, an estimated 100,000 foreigners working in the country illegally.

Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said the Government had in the recent past made attempts to flush out foreign nationals that are in Kenya irregularly, adding that they should not be engaged in work that can be done by Kenyans.

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