Chinese billboard along Mombasa Road sparks hot debate online

A Chinese billboard placed along Mombasa has caused mixed reactions on social media.

Most Kenyans online have criticized the billboard and the advertising agency for putting it up as it is entirely advertised in Chinese.

Netizens could not understand how such an advert was placed in a completely foreign language. However, there are others who defended the advert saying that it had its own intended market, their fellow Chinese.

The uproar started after one social media user, Lord Mutai when he asked if Kenyans will be allowed to erect a Swahili billboard in the middle of Beijing.

“This is a billboard in Kenya done completely in Chinese. My only question is, will you be allowed to erect a Swahili billboard in the middle of Beijing? Chinese are taking us for a ride. They must be rudely roaming around Nairobi while inwardly thinking we are idiots,” said Mr. Mutai.

This is a billboard in Kenya done completely in Chinese. My only question is, will you be allowed to erect a Swahili billboard in the middle of Beijing? Chinese are taking us for a ride. They must be rudely roaming around Nairobi while inwardly thinking we are idiots pic.twitter.com/HcdaxRps5v

— Lord Mutai (@ItsMutai) May 1, 2018

The billboard has since sparked a lot of mixed reactions;

That billboard is not for you. It addresses the Chinese. Leave it alone.— Michàel OGELLO???????? (@OgelloSays) May 1, 2018

Whoever put up this billboard forgot that the majority of us just see patterns which tell nothing.

— Harold Andrew Kinyanjui (@KinyanjuiHarold) May 1, 2018

This bill board have attracted a lot of interest. To me this is likely to be the aim. After the provoked interest, the bill board will be replaced with a suitable one. But the discussion will continue. That should be a " bang" in advertisement. Aim achieved.— Peter k. Ikua (@ikua_peter) May 1, 2018

Its in the full glare and authority of ur Govt. They could even be insulting u for all I care. Regarding doing it in Beijing....u wouldn't simply because u hav not generated adequate economic muscle to influence nothing. Ur living in eutopia and denial— Jacob Jatelo (@ChangeJatelo) May 1, 2018

Call them on 0708 848 008 if there's part of the message you are not understanding.

— Gavana Mwamba (@GavanaMwamba) May 1, 2018

the saddest part is we allow them do so. You will be shocked that all constructions going on in nairobi are by chinese companies— josphine wambui (@JwambuiNjuguna) May 1, 2018

Nothing wrong with this as long it is paid for and message reaches intended recipient without insult or incitement.

— Charles Kimuyu (@CharlesKimuyu5) May 1, 2018

Lets begin teaching our children Mandarin. We should accept the new reality.

— K (@khalfun) May 1, 2018

Soon there will be a China town in all major cities just like they did in USA.. then we will be a MAJOR dumping ground coz here KEBS is just but a joke— Charles (@Charleswak144) May 1, 2018

Av no problem with them erecting a billboard but I think there should be interpretation on the same board in English. Who knows? These guys could be insulting us.— Jose Shep (@joshep1248) May 1, 2018

Nobody will do that coz you guys have nothing to offer the Chinese other than your blood and sweat through the money that you pay them. We are slaves to the China man— Akamba Warrior (@Mwolooto) May 1, 2018

As long as they are paying for it what's your problem??? Would you afford one in their country??? Stop racism ! That bill board probably has paid more tax than ur entire life in Kenya— future legacy (@futurelegacy2) May 1, 2018