Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to find a solution to issues affecting small-scale traders in the Central Business District.

On Thursday evening, Gachagua hosted representatives of small traders from Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road for discussions on addressing challenges in their businesses.

More meetings will be held for the government to address their plights.

“We have agreed to have further consultations with more members on Wednesday next week towards sustainable solutions to the issues affecting these small-scale traders, who are on the lower side of the pyramid-real hustlers,” Gachagua said.

The DP has also planned another meeting for March 1,  for the same representatives.

“There will be other top government and state agencies officials so that your issues are addressed adequately,” reads a letter dated February 23.

The letter from Gachagua’s office was addressed to Martin Magondu who is the chairman of the Nyamakima, Kamukunji, Gikomba, and River Road business community.

The meeting came on the eve of planned demonstrations by small-scale traders.

The demonstration was aimed at protesting against claims of the Chinese invasion to save their businesses.

‘Every shop will be closed and everyone will be in a dust coast,” reads a notice seen by the Star.

The route to be taken would start at Kamukunji – Nyamakima- Kirinyaga Road – River road- Dubois – Luthuli – Tearoom -Moi avenue- National Archives and end up at Harambee House.

However, this won’t be the first time traders are raising concerns about Chinese invasion in the business community.

In 2020, traders lamented over the same issue.

Although they have consistently decried unfair competition from foreign investors, the State has dragged its feet in enacting stronger legislation and reinforcing existing laws for their protection.

As of 2017 and according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the trade deficit between Kenya and China stood at Sh390 billion. - MAUREEN KINYANJUI, The Star