- Days after closing down China Square, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) have now seized goods worth KSh 50 million from the mall
- According to ACA, China Square could be involved in a counterfeit business after being accused of using trademark owned by Kenyan company
- The viral huge shopping mall was opened on January 29, 2003 and closed on February 26 after complaints from Kenyan traders
By Ian Munene
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The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has seized goods worth KSh 50 million from China Square for auditing following a complaint raised.
Goods at China Square seized days after its closure. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the authorities, China Square could be involved in counterfeit business after being accused of using the trademark ‘Finder’ which is allegedly owned by a Kenyan company.
“We have done a search in the place and the investigation is still ongoing. We will be able to give a statement on that after we conclude our investigation,” said ACA Regional Manager Ibrahim Bule.
China Square opened on January 29, 2003 and registered sales worth KSh 20 million within a fortnight before the sales grew to KSh 10 million on a bad day as reported by Business Today.
However, Trade CS Moses Kuria accused the Chinese entity of competing with Kenyan businessmen with cheap goods, leading to its closure on Sunday February 26, 2003.
“I have today given an offer to Prof Wainaina, the VC Kenyatta University to buy out the lease for China Square, Unicity Mall and hand it over to the Gikomba, Nyamakima, Muthurwa and Eastleigh Traders Association. We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya but as manufacturers not traders,” said Kuria.
The CS later offered to help the owner, Lei Cheng to start a manufacturing plant instead of engaging in retail business.
“I will assist China Square owner Cheng to set up a manufacturing plant in Kenya and work on a distribution partnership with Gikomba, Nyamakima, Eastleigh, Kamukunji, Muthurwa and River Road traders,” he added.
