For a long time, Kenyan traders have been losing businesses to their Chinese counterparts. In the wake of Corona Virus, traders, especially those in Gikomba market will gain massively. Though the virus has negatively impacted on the income of many businesses in the country, when the dust settles and normalcy is restored, the real gainers would be Kenyans.
For a long time, we have been relying on imported goods from China where the Corona Virus originated, the virus acted as an eye opener for Kenyans—it’s time we start embracing local businesses.
The influx of Chinese traders started when former President Kibaki came to power. Initially, they came as contractors and business partners but over time, they littered all sectors of economy. It was not uncommon to see a number of them roasting maize in Gikomba, along Thika Road and Muthurwa market. The situation became worse when they(Chinese) rented houses in Muthurwa and River Road where they sold products that they imported to the country. Their presence in downtown even resulted to demonstrations from Kenyans who accused the Chinese of taking over their businesses.
Local businesses have the opportunity to pick up the pieces after the Corona Virus issue is over. One advantage of corona is that the number of Chinese to Kenya has reduced significantly, giving local entrepreneurs a chance to flourish. There are no planes coming from China to Kenya and the few Chinese in the country are leaving. As a result, some of the businesses occupied by the Chinese are being vacated and being taken over by Kenyan traders.
There is no importation of goods from China at the moment. Before the Corona Virus broke out, Chinese freely moved in and out of Kenya, they also imported goods in bulk. But for the past two months, there has been restrictions on the importation of goods from China to the country. This is the best opportunity for local manufacturing industries to start manufacturing essential commodities to fill the gap left by Chinese products.
Alfred Mutua had a valid point when he said that Corona Virus is a good thing for Kenyan leaders who have for a long time sought services outside the country. The governor advised politicians and other leaders to consider building our country instead of heavily relying on products from abroad. One classical example is when politicians deliberately starve our hospitals with drugs and proceed to UK, Britain and South Africa for treatment. He concluded that Corona Virus has equalized everyone, no country will allow any Kenyan to be treated there at this time.
Though corona is a deadly disease, at least it has made Kenyans especially leaders to realize that we need to promote local businesses, hospitals and industries.
The major disadvantage of Corona virus is that the economy will suffer for sometime until there is free movement of goods and people
Watch this video to see how corona virus was imported to Kenya.Follow this link