There are NO Chinese HAWKERS in Kenya - Wetangula

The Kenyan DAILY POSTNews23:56

Wednesday 22^nd August 2012-Minister for Trade Moses Wetangula has said that the government is not aware of any Chinese nationals engaged in hawking business in urban centres.

While speaking before Parliament, the minister however admitted that there are isolated cases of Chinese, Somali and Indian nationals who have been “spotted” doing business in various commercial centres in Kenya.

"Kenya is a liberalised economy and that no law discriminates persons who carry out legitimate business, whether Kenyan or foreigner,’’ Wetangula said.

MP Aden Duale challenged the minister to table work permits of Chinese nationals hawking in Kenya, where they are hawking and who is facilitating them.

“The Trade Licensing Act was repealed. The minister does not have the power to licence any trader in the country,” Wetangula said. “If the Chinese are hawking irregularly they should be dealt with in accordance with the established laws.”

The minister said about 4,000 Chinese legitimately reside in Kenya and are engaged in all kind of commercial activities. 

“China has extended substantial development assistance to Kenya. It has spent up to Sh1.9 billion cumulative grants and Sh40.25 billion in loans,” he said.

Duale, together with Ephraim Maina, Lucas Chepkittony, Shakeel Shabbir and Gitobu Imanyara faulted the government for allowing the Chinese to conduct illegal trade.

The Minister warned MPs against xenophobic speeches stating that there are thousands of Kenyans doing business outside the country, were being treated fairly and it is only right to reciprocate that kindness.

The Kenyan DAILY POST