Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has raised concern over the growing presence of foreign hawkers, particularly Chinese nationals, in Nairobi’s informal trading spaces, arguing that the trend is hurting local entrepreneurs. Gachagua made the remarks on Thursday, January 9, while touring several major markets in the capital as part of efforts to popularise his newly unveiled Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and his 2027 presidential ambitions.
While addressing traders and residents at Marikiti, Muthurwa and Gikomba markets, Gachagua said many Kenyan traders were steadily being pushed out of small-scale businesses due to competition from foreigners. He noted that stalls and vending spaces traditionally occupied by locals were increasingly being taken over by non-citizens, a situation he described as unfair and harmful to ordinary Kenyans trying to earn a living.
The former deputy president argued that small and informal businesses should primarily be reserved for Kenyan citizens, especially youths and low-income earners who rely on such ventures for survival. According to Gachagua, foreign investors should focus on large-scale enterprises that require significant capital and technical expertise, instead of competing directly with locals in retail and hawking activities.
He told traders that the influx of foreign hawkers had made it harder for local businesses to survive, citing lower pricing and stronger supply chains as some of the advantages enjoyed by foreign traders. Gachagua warned that if left unchecked, the trend could completely wipe out Kenyan-owned micro and small enterprises in urban centres.
During his market tour, Gachagua used the opportunity to position himself as a defender of the “hustler economy,” promising that his political movement would prioritise the protection of local traders and small business owners. He said empowering citizens economically was key to restoring dignity and reducing unemployment.
His remarks have sparked debate, with some traders welcoming his stance while others called for clear government policy rather than political statements. The issue of foreign participation in informal trade has remained contentious in Kenya, often resurfacing during periods of economic hardship and high unemployment.
